According to a new study, some people might need less water than the eight 8-ounce glasses recommended daily.
The University of Aberdeen study, published in Science by the peer reviewed journal, included 5,604 people from 26 different countries, ranging from 8 days old to 96.
Participants were given a glass filled with water that had some hydrogen molecules replaced by deuterium, a stable hydrogen isotope. It is a natural substance found in the human body.
Researchers then calculated the “water turnover” or the rate at which the extra deuterium in the glass of water is eliminated from the human body.
Energy expenditure determines intake
According to the study, water turnover was higher in humid and hot environments as well as at high altitudes. Athletes, pregnant women and nursing mothers, and people with high levels physical activity need to consume more water.
Energy expenditure or the amount that the body uses for essential functions like breathing or blood circulation was the most important factor.
In males aged 20 to 35, who have the highest energy expenditures, the research showed that the average water consumption per day was 4.2 liters. It decreased as men aged, with an average of 2.5 liters a day for males in their 90s.
Women’s average water consumption between 20 and 40 years old was 3.3 liters per day. This decreased to 2.5 liters at 90.
In developing countries, the study found that water consumption was also higher. Researchers believe this is due to the increased use of air conditioning or heating, which protects people from extreme environmental conditions that increase water demand.
The authors of the study note that water consumption is not equal to drinking water requirements because 15 percent of this value represents surface water exchanges and water produced by metabolism. A significant amount of water can be obtained by simply eating.
In the US and Europe, more than half the 3.6 liters comes from food. This means that the daily amount of water needed is between 1.5 to 1.8. Women in their 20s, for example, should drink 1.3-1.4 liters of water per day.
This study shows that the commonly suggested eight glasses of water per day (or two liters) is too high for many people. These data do not support a ‘one-size-fits-all’ policy for water intake.
The National Academy of Medicine currently recommends that men in good health drink about 13 8-ounce liquid glasses and women should drink nine 8-ounce glass.
Why do we require water?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that drinking water helps prevent dehydration. It is important to drink water because it benefits your body.
- Maintain a normal room temperature.
- Lubricate and cushion joints.
- Protect your spinal chord and other sensitive tissue.
- Wastes can be eliminated by urination (or bowel movements), perspiration and bowel movements.
The colour of urine indicates if a person has been adequately hydrated. The darker the color, it means that it is more concentrated, and therefore contains less water. Certain foods, medications and supplements can change the color.
