Daily water and beverages intake in Slovenia

• Main Authors: Aleš Petrovič, Ivanka Gale, Aleksandra Žalar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Slovenian Medical Association 2011-09-01
• Series: Zdravniški Vestnik
• Online Access: http://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/view/190
• ISSN: 1318-0347; 1581-0224

Background: The purpose of our study on water and beverages consumption was to obtain data on the total daily intake and distribution of different types of beverages and the association of their consumption with some biological and socio-demographic characteristics of the Slovene population. Methods: Previously, a survey was performed on food intake habits of the adult population of Slovenia, which was carried out on a representative population sample in the form of a personal interview with a questionnaire. The data on daily water and beverages intake from this survey were used in our study . A total of 2267 adults were included (aged 18–65 years). A total of 1184 correctly completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Results: Total average daily consumption of all beverages was 16.6 dl. The respondents mainly consumed plain water and beverages based on it: 10 dl, followed by other non-alcoholic beverages: 5.5 dl, and alcoholic beverages: 1 dl. Regarding different types of beverages, each person consumed daily mostly plain water: 6 dl, followed by tea and flavoured water (2 dl each) and 1 dl of mineral water. In a separate presentation of beverages based on boiled water (tea and coffee), the consumption of plain water and beverages based on it was 7.4 dl. Conclusion: We obtained specific national consumption data for water and beverages. Specific intake patterns with respect to biological and socio-demographic characteristics were also established. The data may be used to change drinking habits.