Water: an essential but overlooked nutrient
by
Kleiner SM
Nutritional Sciences Program,
University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
J Am Diet Assoc 1999 Feb; 99(2):200-6
ABSTRACT
Water is an essential nutrient required for life. To be well hydrated, the
average sedentary adult man must consume at least 2,900 mL (12 c) fluid per day,
and the average sedentary adult woman at least 2,200 mL (9 c) fluid per day, in
the form of noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages, soups, and foods. Solid
foods contribute approximately 1,000 mL (4 c) water, with an additional 250 mL
(1 c) coming from the water of oxidation. The Nationwide Food Consumption
Surveys indicate that a portion of the population may be chronically mildly
dehydrated. Several factors may increase the likelihood of chronic, mild
dehydration, including a poor thirst mechanism, dissatisfaction with the taste
of water, common consumption of the natural diuretics caffeine and alcohol,
participation in exercise, and environmental conditions. Dehydration of as
little as 2% loss of body weight results in impaired physiological and
performance responses. New research indicates that fluid consumption in general
and water consumption in particular can have an effect on the risk of urinary
stone disease; cancers of the breast, colon, and urinary tract; childhood and
adolescent obesity; mitral valve prolapse; salivary gland function; and overall
health in the elderly. Dietitians should be encouraged to promote and monitor
fluid and water intake among all of their clients and patients through education
and to help them design a fluid intake plan. The influence of chronic mild
dehydration on health and disease merits further research.
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