Water intake linked to pupil performance
May 2011
After 14 days of drinking the recommended amount of water, 70% of children said they felt more calm
A survey of pupils in Bolton has indicated that boosting water intake can have an impact on a child's ability to learn.
More than 150 students aged 11 and 12 took part in the two-week study at St James's C of E School & Sports College.
Those who participated had their water intake increased to between two and three 500ml bottles a day after research revealed that less than one in 10 children drank the recommended six to eight glasses per day, and more than half drank just one or two glasses.
Prior to the study, children were asked how they felt about about their general well-being and mood. A large proportion of children reported feeling tired (54%), bored (46%), fidgety (34%) and thirsty (51%).
However, after 14 days of drinking the recommended amount of water, 70% of children said they felt more calm and 58% said they felt "more interested".
The survey was overseen by Dr Emma Derbyshire, an independent nutritionist and lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Moves to increase the water intake of children could be expanded following the trial's success.
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