Caffeine and Dehydration
Nutrition March 5th. 2008, 9:18am
Americans have long accepted the idea that caffeine acts as a diuretic, causing fluid excretion to exceed fluid retention. The New York Times: Health published an article yesterday (March 4th) that suggests otherwise, citing several studies conducted in the past few years. According to the report,
… research has not confirmed that notion. Most studies have found that in moderate amounts, caffeine has only mild diuretic effects — much like water. … Investigations comparing caffeine with water or placebo seldom found a statistical difference in urine volume
While a cup of coffee might be a fine way to start your morning, remember to consume a total of 2-3 liters of fluids each day to remain truly hydrated. Be well and drink up!
In my own investigation, I found these scholarly studies supporting this claim:
(1) Caffeine, Fluid-Electrolyte Balance, Temperature Regulation, and Exercise-Heat Tolerance. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews. 2007. [full article - limited access]
(2) Caffeine ingestion and fluid balance: a review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2003.
March 6th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I’ve always read that needing to drink X number of cups of water a day is just malarky. It’s entirely circumstantial. When you get thirsty, drink something. Simple.
Otherwise, this is good to hear–as I sit here drinking a can of Coke Zero. I just hope I don’t get cancer from the aspartame.
March 7th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I drink probably 3-4 cups of coffee each day. Perhaps connectedly, I sometimes have a “going” issue. Maybe if I drank more of other fluids, this might improve. On the other hand, what would I possibly do with all the time saved!