Authors
Kleiner SM.
Institution
Nutritional Sciences Program, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Title
Water: an essential but overlooked
nutrient. [Review] [81 refs]
Source
Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 99(2):200-6, 1999 Feb.
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.
[References: 81]