Optimal: Extracellular 40% - Intracellular 60%
What is it?
Water is displayed in Total Mass (kg) and as a % of Overall Body Weight.
Total Water Mass is the accumulative water content of the body contained in the cells, tissues, blood, bones and organs. The average human adult male is approximately 60% water and the average adult female is approximately 50%.
Intracellular and Extracellular water is displayed in Mass (kg) and as a % of Total Water Mass.
Intracellular water is held within cells at a tissue level and should make up approximately 60% of Total Water Mass. Extracellular water is not held within cells and should make up around 40% of Total Water Mass.
Why is it important?
Water has numerous roles in the human body. It acts as a building material; as a solvent, reaction medium and reactant; as a carrier for nutrients and waste products; in thermoregulation and as a lubricant and a shock absorber.
The body cannot produce enough water by metabolism or food alone to fulfil it’s needs, so it has to be replenished. In the typical UK climate an individual should drink a minimum of 1.2 litres (six to eight glasses) a day. This minimum should be increased if you are, undertaking exercise or strenuous work and in hot conditions.