Study finds people need less water per day than previously thought

Water is an essential component of human life and is vital for the proper functioning of organs and body systems. (CREDIT: Creative Commons)

Water is an essential component of human life and is vital for the proper functioning of organs and body systems. The human body is approximately 60% water, and maintaining proper hydration is critical to overall health and well-being. While the amount of water each person needs can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and climate, there is a general guideline for the amount of water people should consume each day in order to survive.

The amount of water a person needs varies depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and climate. For example, a small child or an elderly person may need less water than an adult. In addition, men generally require more water than women, and people who engage in strenuous physical activity may need more water than those who are less active. In hot and humid climates, the body loses more water through sweat, so more water intake may be required to maintain proper hydration.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) gives general guidelines for the amount of water people should consume each day. According to the IOM, adult men should consume approximately 3.7 liters (or 125 ounces) of water per day, and adult women should consume approximately 2.7 liters (or 91 ounces) of water per day. These guidelines include water intake from all sources, including drinks and food. However, they emphasized that these recommendations are only general recommendations and individual water needs may vary.

Now, an international team led by scientists from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) in China has found that the average daily water intake for a man in his 20s should be between 1.5 and 1.8 liters and for a woman between 1.3 and 1. 4 liters. in the same age group.

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The study, published in the journal Science, describes for the first time a set of equations for predicting water turnover in the human body, a measure of how much water the body uses each day.

The researchers studied 5,604 participants aged 8 days to 96 years from more than 20 countries using isotope tracking techniques.

They found that a man between the ages of 20 and 35 consumes 4.2 liters of water every day, and a woman between the ages of 30 and 60 consumes 3.3 liters, with the need for water decreasing with age.

Since metabolism and water exchange on the skin can provide 15 percent, while food and drink make up half of each of the remaining 85 percent, thus, according to the researchers, people are encouraged to drink less than 45 percent of the total daily turnover.

“Most people may not need to drink 8 glasses of water a day,” said Zhang Xueying, co-author of the paper and assistant researcher at SIAT.

According to the study, total water input and output varies depending on a variety of factors, including body size, physical activity, air temperature, humidity, and altitude.

“The equations can be applied to people all over the world,” Zhang said. “Just enter his or her vital signs and the temperature and humidity he or she lives in.”

However, people who lived in low Human Development Index (HDI) countries had higher water turnover than people in high HDI countries, she added.

The study marks the first step towards personalized water demand prediction, said co-author John Speakman of SIAT.

Factors that can affect a person’s need for water

Factors include:

  • Age: Young children and the elderly may need less water than adults.

  • Gender: Men generally require more water than women due to their larger body size and muscle mass.

  • Activity level: People who are physically active may need more water than those who are less active.

  • Climate: In hot and humid climates, the body loses more water through sweat, so more water intake may be required to maintain proper hydration.

  • Health status. Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, can affect a person’s need for water.

It is important to note that the body’s water requirements can also vary depending on the type and amount of food consumed. Many foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are high in water and can contribute to overall hydration. On the contrary, foods high in salt or sugar can increase the body’s need for water, as these substances can dehydrate the body.

Dehydration can have serious consequences for the body, ranging from mild symptoms such as dry mouth and thirst to severe symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and even organ failure. Mild dehydration can usually be resolved by increasing your water intake, but severe dehydration may require medical attention.


Changing the human water cycle is associated with environmental and lifestyle factors. (CREDIT: science)

To ensure proper hydration, it is important to consume a variety of fluids throughout the day, including water, herbal teas, and skim milk. It is best to avoid sugary drinks such as sodas, sports drinks and energy drinks as they can dehydrate the body. In addition, alcohol intake should be limited, as alcohol is a diuretic that can increase water loss.

It is also important to be aware of the signs of dehydration and take steps to prevent it. Symptoms of mild dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, and dark urine, while more severe symptoms can include dizziness, confusion, and even organ failure. To prevent dehydration, people should drink fluids regularly throughout the day, especially during times of high physical activity or in hot and humid climates.


Anthropometric, environmental and lifestyle factors affecting the water cycle in the human body. (CREDIT: science)

In addition to drinks, certain foods can also contribute to overall hydration. Fruits and vegetables, for example, are high in water and can help keep you hydrated. Examples of high water fruits and vegetables include watermelons, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries.

As such, water is an essential component of human life, and maintaining proper hydration is critical to overall health and well-being. While the amount of water each person needs can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and climate, there is a general guideline for the amount of water people should consume each day in order to survive. By regularly drinking fluids throughout the day and eating a diet high in water, people can maintain proper hydration levels and prevent the negative effects of dehydration.


For more science news, visit our New Discoveries section at The bright side of the news.

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