Research Advances in Hydration Status and Kidney, Liver, and Cardiovascular Health, and Tailored Water Intake
Menglong Li1, Bingqing Wu1, Mengying Guan1
1Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, 100069 Beijing, China.
Insights
Many Chinese children are not drinking enough water, increasing risks for dehydration and potential organ damage. This review highlights hydration
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Suboptimal hydration is a growing concern linked to chronic disease progression.
- A Chinese survey revealed 82% of children (6-17 years) do not meet daily water intake recommendations.
- Boys and girls in China consume insufficient water (1603±731 mL and 1487±661 mL, respectively), elevating dehydration risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between hydration status and target organ damage in adults and children.
- To summarize tailored water intake recommendations for Chinese children.
- To stimulate further research on hydration, kidney, liver, and cardiovascular health in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on hydration status and target organ damage.
- Analysis of a nationwide Chinese survey on children's water intake.
- Synthesis of existing evidence and recommendations.
Main Results:
- While adult data links dehydration to kidney, liver, and cardiovascular diseases, pediatric evidence is limited.
- Some studies suggest suboptimal hydration in children is associated with transient renal impairment, increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and impaired cardiac function.
- Chinese children's average water intake falls below recommended levels.
Conclusions:
- Suboptimal hydration poses a significant risk to children's health, potentially impacting kidney, liver, and cardiovascular systems.
- Urgent need for targeted hydration strategies and further research in pediatric populations.
- Tailored water intake guidelines are crucial for safeguarding children's long-term health.
Abstract:
Suboptimal hydration status has increasingly been recognized as a risk factor for the progression of chronic diseases. A nationwide survey conducted in China found that 82% of children aged 6 to 17 years failed to meet the recommended daily total water intake of 1600-2500 mL. On average, boys consumed 1603 ± 731 mL per day, while girls consumed 1487 ± 661 mL per day, placing them at a higher risk of dehydration. Worldwide studies have suggested associations between dehydration and chronic kidney disease, steatotic liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases in adults. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning hydration status and target organ damage in the pediatric population. Only a limited number of studies have suggested that suboptimal hydration status is associated with transient renal impairment, an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and decreased ventricular structure and function in children. This article reviews the association between hydration status and target organ damage in both adult and pediatric populations and summarizes tailored water intake recommendations for Chinese children. We aim to advance research on hydration status and kidney, liver, and cardiovascular health, especially in the pediatric population.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention
01:25Regulation of Water Intake
01:29Disorder of Water Balance
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses fluids (particularly water).
Causes:
The major causes of dehydration include excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and diuresis.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms primarily include intense...
01:22Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management
01:26Regulation of Water Output
01:18Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management