Background and Overview: Water needs in the U.S

Water is a nutrient required for life. Based on the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI), water requirements were established on total water intake, that is, water intake from drinking water, other beverages, and water from foods. An Adequate Intake (AI), but not a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), for water was established because there was not enough evidence to ascertain water as a means to decrease chronic disease risk. The AI for total water intake (from foods and beverages combined) for women and men, 19 to 30 years of age, is 2.7 L and 3.7 L per day, respectively. Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, fluids from beverages comprise about 81%, while water in foods comprise about 19% of total water intake for individuals in the U.S. The AI for water was established for healthy individuals, and does not take into account physical activity, heat and/or humidity exposure, which all increase water needs. Furthermore, a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) was not established for water, because, healthy individuals can typically excrete surplus water. The purpose of this presentation will be to provide a background on water needs, and provide evidence of the importance of water research.