Water is a simple molecule composed of two distinct hydrogen atoms and one

oxygen atom bound together. Water is an essential nutrient for all life. It is a
clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid that is made up of two hydrogen
atoms and one oxygen atom. It can be found in all three states of matter: solid
(ice), liquid, and gas (steam). Water is the most abundant substance on Earth,
covering about 71% of the planet's surface. It is also found in the atmosphere,
oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater.

Role in nutrition and health

In nutrition:
Water is essential for good health and nutrition. It plays a vital role in many
bodily functions, including:
 Water is the “Universal Solvent”:
Water's enormous capacity to dissolve a wide range of molecules is referred to
as its "universal solvent," and it is this capacity that makes water such a
valuable life-sustaining agent. On a biological level, water's function as a
solvent aids cells in the transfer and use of chemicals such as oxygen and
nutrients. Blood and other water-based fluids aid in the transport of molecules
to their proper locations. As a result, water's ability to act as a solvent facilitates
the movement of molecules such as oxygen during respiration and has a
significant impact on a drug's ability to reach its target in the body.

 Water Supports Cellular Structure:

Water also plays an important structural role in biology. Water fills cells,
allowing them to retain their visual form and structure. The water found inside
many cells, including those that make up the human body, exerts pressure that
opposes outside forces, like putting air in a balloon. Even plants that can
maintain their cell structure without water require water to survive. Water
allows everything inside cells to have the correct molecular form. This is also
one of the most important functions of water because the form is required for
metabolic activities.

Water also helps to form the membranes that surround cells. Every cell on
Earth is surrounded by a membrane, which is composed of two layers of
molecules known as phospholipids. A bilayer surrounds cells, allowing certain
materials, such as salts and nutrients, to enter and exit the cell. The interactions
that occur during membrane formation are powerful enough for the membranes
to form spontaneously and resist disruption. Cell membranes would lose shape
without water, and cells would be unable to keep beneficial chemicals inside
and dangerous compounds outside the cell without proper membrane structure.

Water affects DNA and proteins, two essential components of every cell, as
well as the overall structure of cells. Proteins are made up of a long chain of
amino acid building blocks that must fold into a specific shape in order to
function properly. Water drives the folding of amino acid chains because
different types of amino acids seek and avoid interaction with water. To
support DNA's characteristic double-helix conformation, water molecules
surround it in an ordered fashion. Without this shape, cells would be unable to
follow the precise instructions encoded by DNA or pass the instructions on to
future cells, rendering human growth, reproduction, and, eventually, survival
impossible.

In health:

 Kidney support function:

Water is essential for kidney function because it acts as a buffer during the
filtration process. It aids the kidneys in the removal of wastes from the blood in
the form of urine. Water also keeps your blood vessels open, allowing blood to
flow freely to your kidneys and deliver vital nutrients to them. As a result,
dehydration can cause kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

 Your cardiovascular system remains healthy with water:

Water makes up a large portion of your blood. (For example, plasma, the pale-
yellow liquid portion of your blood, is approximately 90% water.) Dehydration
causes your blood to become more concentrated, which can result in an
imbalance of the electrolyte minerals it contains (sodium and potassium, for
example). These electrolytes are required for healthy muscle and heart
function. Dehydration can also cause a decrease in blood volume and thus
blood pressure, so standing up may make you feel light-headed or woozy.

 Water Guards Your Joints, Spinal Cord, and Tissues:

Water does more than just quench your thirst and regulate your body's
temperature; it also keeps your body's tissues moist. Keeping your body
hydrated allows it to maintain optimal levels of moisture in the blood, bones,
and brain, as well as these sensitive areas. Water also serves as a lubricant and
cushion for your joints, protecting the spinal cord from injury.

Functions:
Water is a necessary component of all animal and plant cells, and life cannot
exist without it, even for a short period of time. As a result, we find ourselves
in the unusual position of needing the only naturally occurring inorganic liquid
to sustain organic life. Given that natural processes are characterized by the
economy with which energy (matter) is employed, it seems reasonable to
believe that in creatures that contain up to 95% water, this liquid serves a
purpose other than that of an inert substrate.
 Fig 1: Functions of water in human body

Water circulates through living things, acting as a lubricant in the form of

surface coatings and viscous fluids, as well as a proton-exchange medium.

Water serves as the solvent for biological hydrolysis (digestion), which breaks
down proteins and carbohydrates. Even though they are not chemically altered,
lipids are solubilized in aqueous media.

Fig 2: Peptide bond formation

Condensation polymerization results in water biosynthesis, with examples

including glycogen synthesis from glucose and protein synthesis from amino
acids. As a result, some of the energy required for biosynthesis is derived from
the energy required for water production.
Water can also act as a solvent:

Hydrolysis

The interaction of water with an ester of a carboxylic acid, all of which have
the general formula RCOOR′, can be used to illustrate organic compound
hydrolysis. For example, if R and R′ both represent the methyl group, CH3, the
ester is methyl acetate. The slowest stage in the hydrolysis process is the
formation of a covalent bond between the oxygen atom of the water molecule
and the carbon atom of the ester. The ester's carbon-oxygen link is broken in
the following, extremely fast steps, allowing hydrogen ions to separate from
the starting water molecule and bind to the developing alcohol molecule. The
reaction is depicted in the equation:

RCO―OR′ + H2O → RCO―OH + R′―OH,

where RCOOH denotes a carboxylic acid molecule, R′OH denotes an alcohol

molecule, and the dashes represent covalent bonds that are broken or formed
during the reaction. The addition of a third agent, usually an acid or a base,
accelerates the chemical transition in the hydrolysis of esters and most other
organic compounds. During the biochemical process of digestion, enzymes
released by the digestive system catalyze the breakdown of complex
compounds into forms that the body organisms can ingest. Proteinases, lipases,
and amylases are enzymes that catalyze lipid, carbohydrate, and protein
hydrolysis, respectively. Proteins are broken down into amino acids, fats into
fatty acids and glycerol, and starches into glucose and other simple sugars.

Hydrolysis of ester
 Fig 3: Mechanism of Acid-catalyzed esters hydrolysis

The transfer from ATP to ADP:

In biochemistry, ATP is known as the most known energy source of living
systems (inside cells), with the ability to inversely store a relatively large
amount of energy that can be exergonic (energy released) expansion pushing
other endergonic (energy consumption) processes at its inception. As a result, it
is known as a macroergic compound. ATP consumption occurs in some
biochemical processes, such as hydrolysis to ADP + Pi or even AMP and PPi.
ATP + H2O → ADP + Pi
ATP + H2O → AMP + Ppi
As a result, the present enzyme pyrophosphatase hydrolyzes PPi (inorganic
pyrophosphate). This produces twice as much energy. Extracellular ATP is also
a neurotransmitter.

Deficiency, quantity and quality

Water deficiency, also known as dehydration, is a condition in which the body
does not have enough water. Water is essential for human nutrition and overall
health, as it makes up about 60% of the body weight and plays a vital role in
many bodily functions. This can occur when a person does not drink enough
fluids, or when they lose fluids through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. It can
also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney
disease. Symptoms of water deficiency can include thirst, fatigue, headache,
dizziness, and dry mouth. In severe cases, water deficiency can lead to
confusion, seizures, and even death. Water deficiency is a serious public health
problem, and it is estimated that billions of people around the world do not
have access to safe drinking water. This is especially a problem in developing
countries, where waterborne diseases are common. There are a number of
things that can be done to prevent and treat water deficiency. It is important to
drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather or when exercising. It is
also important to avoid sugary drinks, such as soda and juice, as these can
actually dehydrate the body.

If you experience symptoms of water deficiency, it is important to seek medical

attention immediately. Treatment for water deficiency typically involves
replacing fluids through drinking or intravenous fluids. In addition to
preventing and treating water deficiency, it is also important to be aware of the
signs and symptoms of this condition. This is especially important for
caregivers of older adults and people with chronic illnesses. By being aware of
the signs and symptoms of water deficiency, you can help to ensure that your
loved ones receive the care they need.

The amount of water we need each day depends on a number of factors,

including our age, activity level, climate, and health status. The National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that adult
males consume about 3.7 liters (15.6 cups) of water per day and adult females
consume about 2.7 liters (11 cups) of water per day. However, these
recommendations may vary depending on individual factors.

Metabolism, digestion and absorption, energy

Water movement through the gastrointestinal wall has great significance, not
only for the delivery of ingested fluids but also for the digestion of other
nutrients and as a defense from pathogens. In fact, there is equilibrium between
intestinal water secretion (through the pancreatic juices, bile, gastric secretion,
and saliva) and water absorption that should be maintained within narrow
limits, because disturbances in this equilibrium result in diarrhea or
constipation. Water movement across the intestinal epithelium may occur
paracellularly through the tight junctions and transcellularly through cell
membranes. Experiments in canine intestinal segments have shown that the
potential for water absorption differs among the various parts of the intestine.
Specifically, the large intestine has a greater capacity to absorb a hypotonic
solution compared with the jejunum or the ileum, whereas a negative net water
flux is observed in the duodenum in the presence of a hypotonic solution. The
small intestine, however, absorbs the majority of the water that enters the
intestine. From a total of roughly 8 L, about 6.5 L is absorbed through the small
intestine, whereas the large intestine's capacity for absorption is only about 1.3
L. Although some water may permeate across cellular membranes, the
hydrophobic characteristics of their lipid bilayer prevent the necessary level of
absorption. Instead, a large portion of the water that is absorbed is transported
through channel systems, such aquaporins. Osmotic gradients control and are
connected to ionic motions in the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, water
absorption is predominantly correlated with the movement of sodium ions,
whereas water secretion is primarily correlated with the movement of chloride
ions.

The human body has two fluid compartments: the extracellular fluid
compartment and the intracellular fluid, which together make up 55% of the
body's water. The latter can be further divided
into the transcellular fluid compartment, which is created by the secretory cells,
the intravascular fluid compartment, or plasma (7.5% of the total body water),
the rapidly equilibrating interstitial fluid and lymph (20%), and some smaller
compartments (the slowly equilibrating interstitial fluid of dense connective
tissue and cartilage, the inaccessible interstitial fluid in the bones, and the
transcellular fluid).
 Fig 4: Absorption in the Small Intestine

Digestion, Energy
Water is essential for human digestion. It helps to break down food particles,
transport nutrients, and absorb water-soluble vitamins and minerals. Water also
helps to prevent constipation by keeping the stool soft and moving easily
through the digestive tract.

 Dissolving digestive enzymes: Water is needed to dissolve digestive

enzymes, which are proteins that break down food particles into smaller
molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
 Transporting nutrients: Water helps to transport nutrients from the
digestive tract to the cells of the body. For example, water is needed to
transport water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin B12, and
minerals, such as sodium and potassium, into the bloodstream.
 Absorbing water-soluble vitamins and minerals: Water-soluble vitamins
and minerals can only be absorbed into the bloodstream if they are
dissolved in water. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water to
ensure that you are absorbing all of the nutrients from your food.
 Preventing constipation: Water helps to keep the stool soft and moving
easily through the digestive tract. This can help to prevent constipation,
which is a condition in which the stool is hard and difficult to pass.

In addition to the above roles, water also helps to maintain the overall health of
the digestive system and energy production. Water helps to keep the digestive
tract moist and lubricated, which can help to prevent inflammation and other
problems. Water also helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the
digestive system. The amount of water you need for good digestion depends on
a number of factors, including your age, activity level, and climate. However, a
good general rule of thumb is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
You may need to drink more water if you are exercising heavily or living in a
hot climate.
Conclusion
Water is the most abundant and the most frequently recycled element in the
human body. Its numerous functions, in combination with the fact that several
mechanisms exist for the tight regulation of fluid balance, suggest that water
should be considered as the most significant nutrient in human nutrition. Future
research in water physiology should focus on the association between fluid
balance or intake and disease, at both molecular and epidemiological levels,
and the establishment of more effective methodologies to assess fluid balance
and water requirements.

References

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