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Science 3 strikes, you’re all wet: Don’t need 8 glasses of water daily
Science 3 strikes, you’re all wet: Don’t need 8 glasses of water daily | 3 strikes, you’re all wet: Don’t need 8 glasses of water daily |
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| by William Atkins | |
| Wednesday, 16 April 2008 | |
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Science DiscussionsStrike One In 2002, a study performed by U.S. physiologist (kidney specialist) Heinz Valtin (Dartmouth Medical School; Hanover, New Hampshire, U.S.A.), found no evidence to support the claim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day (what is commonly called the “8x8” rule) in order to maintain good health. In fact, according to a Dartmouth webpage that discusses the subject: “Not only did Valtin not find any benefit in following the supposed rule for healthy, mostly sedentary people in a temperate climate—the vast majority of 8x8 proponents—but he noted that, in some cases, drinking too much water can cause harm.” [Dartmouth: “8x8 study prompts a deluge in the press (as well as in puns)”] Valtin’s result ("Drink at least eight glasses of water a day." Really? Is there scientific evidence for "8x8"?) appeared in the November 2002 issue of the American Journal of Physiology (Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2002;283:R993-R1004). Strike Two In December 2007, U.S. health services researcher Rachel C. Vreeman (Children’s Health Services Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis) and U.S. pediatrist Aaron E. Carroll (Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana) reviewed existing studies concerning the 8x8 water rule. Vreeman stated upon the completion of their study: "There is no medical evidence to suggest that you need that much water.” In fact, she further stated, "Existing studies suggest that adequate fluid intake is usually met through typical daily consumption of juice, milk, and even caffeinated drinks.” [Indiana University: “Does your doctor know for sure?] Vreeman and Carroll’s result (“Medical Myths”) appeared in the British Medical Journal (BMJ, 2007;335:1288-1289 (22 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.39420.420370.25). Ok, are you ready for strike three? Please read on. |
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