Study on Water Turnover of the Chinese Population Based on Deuterium Dilution Method

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

Water is essential for sustaining life and maintaining health. The human body relies on water to transport nutrients and waste products, lubricate joints, regulate body temperature, and preserve tissue structure. International research has shown that losing just 2% of body weight through water loss can impair physiological functions and reduce response capacity. Adequate water intake plays a crucial protective role in health: it helps regulate body weight, lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions, and supports cognitive function.

However, the common recommendation to drink eight cups of water per day lacks strong scientific evidence. Most national hydration guidelines are based on average population intake, and personalized water intake recommendations have yet to be fully developed.

In this study, the investigators will use the deuterium dilution technique to measure water turnover in volunteers. Body composition will be assessed using the TANITA MC-780, while a seven-day fluid intake diary will track daily water consumption. Physical activity levels will be monitored using GT3 devices, and environmental data-including altitude, temperature, and humidity-will be collected based on participants' locations.

The goal of this study is to collect comprehensive data on the physiological traits, environmental influences, and hydration needs of the Chinese population. This will allow for refinement and optimization of current prediction equations for water requirements. Ultimately, the investigators aim to develop a new, individualized water intake algorithm tailored to the Chinese population by quantifying the proportion of water intake relative to total water requirements.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Height — Height measurement will be conducted on the first day of the study for each volunteer and will take approximately 2 minutes.
  Height in meters (m) will be measured using the SECA 217 stable stadiometer. Subjects will be measured without shoes.
• Body weight — Body weight will be conducted on the first day of the study for each volunteer and will take approximately 5 minutes.
  Body weight in kilograms (kg) will be measured using the TANITA MC-780 device. Participants will be barefoot and dressed in light clothing during the measurement.
• Body composition — Body composition ( fat mass )will be conducted on the first day of the study for each volunteer and will take approximately 5 minutes.
  The TANITA (TANITA MC-780) device will be used to measure fat mass (in kilograms, kg) as a primary indicator of body composition. Participants will be asked to remove all metal accessories and wear light clothing during the measurement.
• Body water — Deuterium dilution technology will be initiated at the start of the volunteer's research visit, with each volunteer undergoing a one-week data collection period .
  Body water in kilograms will be measured by deuterium dilution. Subjects will attend the lab after an overnight fast and provide a baseline urine sample. They will then drink a dose of deuterated water based on their body weight. Urine samples will be collected at 4 hours after dosing, and 7 days after dosing, to measure the level of deuterium isotope in the body relative to the baseline. The increase in deuterium concentration allows for the calculation of total body water based on the dilution principle.
• Physical Activity — Physical activity will be initiated at the start of the volunteer's research visit, with each volunteer undergoing a one-week data collection period.，and will be used in subsequent data analyses.
  Physical activity (in vector magnitude counts) of the participants will be recorded using GT3X accelerometer worn near the hip for a consecutive period of 7 days. The monitor should not be worn while bathing or swimming. The first day is discarded along with any day where the wear time is less than 12 hours. For a valid measure the goal is to get 2 weekday and 2 weekend days.
• Water Intake Measurement — Water intake will be initiated at the start of the volunteer's research visit, with each volunteer undergoing a one-week data collection period, and will be used in subsequent data analyses.
  Water intake will be recorded using a seven-day liquid intake diary. A standardized form will be provided to the volunteers, where they will record the type, time, and amount (in milliliters, mL) of liquid consumed across approximately four specific time periods each day. Detailed recording standards and instructions will be included in the form.
• Environmental temperature — Environmental temperature exposure will be monitored for one week beginning at the start of the volunteer's research visit
  The iButton (DS1921G) will be used to assess the subject's exposure to temperature (in Degrees Celsius) by measuring both indoor and outdoor temperatures. The devices will be placed on the subject's hand bag or clothes, the indoor wall of the home and workplace, and the exterior building surface.
• Average residential altitude of participant — The average altitude will be recorded at the start of the volunteer's participation in the study and will take approximately 2 minutes.
  The average altitude (in meters) of the participant's residential city will be determined using GPS-based altitude software.

Trial sites (1)

More Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology ,Chinese Academy of Sciences trials in China