WATER IS A NUTRIENT

You’re Body Needs Your Care
NUTRITION Part 2
Fluid Balance
Fluid is the largest constituent of the human body (in and outside cells). It
Is nearly 75 % of the body weight? This makes it an important nutrient. In
Fact, we can survive longer without food than without water; only the need for
oxygen is greater than water to keep the life process working. Fluids in the body
are present in three compartment separated by porous membranes. They are:
intracellular fluid found within cells (the intracellular compartment is the
Largest compartment)







interstitial fluid which is found between cell membranes, and
Intravascular fluid is fluid in blood vessels.

The cell membrane separates the inner cell space, where the nutrients and
Oxygen is used by the cell. The interstitial space is between the cells where cell
Wastes are deposited. The fluids in the interstitial and intravascular
Compartments are also referred to as the extra cellular fluids.
Functions
The water found in the body performs the following functions.
It acts as a solvent for all water soluble nutrients
The dissolved oxygen and other nutrients are transported to the cell of the
Body in reverse transport of waste products out.
Water gives form to the body since it fills out the empty spaces (a
Dehydrated person tends to look wrinkled)
Body temperature is maintained through the sweating mechanism. In high
Temperature environments and during fever, sweat cools the body by
Evaporation.
All metabolic processes require water. For the utilization of 10,000
calories consumed in diet, 1000 cc of water is required.
FLUID LOSS
Fluid loss, through severe diarrhea, or vomiting, can cause life threatening fluid
Imbalance, within a short period of time. Fluid imbalance also occurs in hot climates when there is less water available for temperature control. Secretion in the gastro-intestinal tract can cause loss of 4000-8,000 cc of body fluid in 24 hours
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