On average, around 60% of the adult human body is composed of water. However, this percentage isn't fixed and varies depending on several factors.
Factors Affecting Body Water Percentage:
- Age: The water content in the body decreases with age. Infants have a significantly higher percentage of water than adults.
- Sex: Women generally have a slightly lower percentage of body water than men due to higher body fat percentages. Fat tissue contains less water than lean muscle mass.
- Hydration Levels: Dehydration obviously lowers the percentage, while proper hydration increases it.
Range of Body Water Percentage:
While 60% is a common figure, the actual percentage can range from roughly 45% to 75%. This wide range highlights the individual variability influenced by the factors mentioned above.
Water Content in Specific Organs:
Different organs and tissues have varying water content. For example:
- Brain: Approximately 73% water
- Heart: Approximately 73% water
- Lungs: Around 83% water
These examples illustrate that water is crucial for the proper functioning of all body systems.
Sources:
The information above is supported by various reputable sources, including:
- Medical News Today: States that "Most of the human body is water, with an average of roughly 60%. The amount of water in the body can change slightly with age, sex, and hydration levels." https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-percentage-of-the-human-body-is-water
- U.S. Geological Survey: Indicates that "Up to 60% of the human adult body is water." https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body
- Merck Manual: Notes that water accounts for "about one half to two thirds of an average person's weight." https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/water-balance/about-body-water
