Chapter 2 Part 4 Water

Water: Characteristics

 Makes up 60-70% of total

body weight

 Most indispensable nutrient:

the body needs more water
each day than any other
nutrient
 Water Functions

1. Carries nutrients throughout the body (blood)

2. Waste removal (urine)
3. Universal solvent (minerals, vitamins, amino
acids, glucose, and other small molecules…)
4. Medium for chemical reactions
5. Lubricant (joints, mucus, tears…)
6. Shock absorber (spinal cord, amniotic fluid
surrounding the fetus…)
7. Body temperature regulation (sweat)
Water: Distribution
Water Balance
 Fact or fallacy?

Coffee and Beer may be counted as fluid because

they contain water

Fallacy!
Beverages containing caffeine or alcohol generally
should not be counted as fluid because these
substances are diuretics (promote urination) and do
not contribute to the body's need for fluid as much
as water.
Water: How much is needed?
Water: How much is needed?