Oral

Debates about water have raged for decades. Although much has been learned about the importance of water for health, huge gaps in knowledge remain. It is still unclear how much water people should drink. In addition to its hydrating function, water appears to have an effect on a number of metabolic processes. Possible relationships between water intake and disease risk remain unappreciated. This session aims to increase awareness about levels of water intake, its correlates and health effects, as well as the issues that complicate and fuel debates about water intake and health. This session will host international experts, who conduct studies on water intake and health. The speakers have contributed to debates about how much water is necessary for athletes and for the general public. They have been key players in current public health recommendations for the dietary intake levels of water.

Session Objectives: 1) Identify measures of water intake and adequacy. 2) Explain that a majority of individuals globally may have low water intake. 3) Describe how water contributes to the metabolism, physiology, health risk factors and health outcomes 4) Identify issues that complicate research on water intake and health 5) Describe debates, current evidence, and gaps in knowledge about water intake and health. 6) Critically evaluate research on water intake and health

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)