Skip to main content

ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Sports Act. Living, 22 October 2024
Sec. Sport and Exercise Nutrition
This article is part of the Research Topic Food and Nutrition for Athletics: Redefining the Role and Application View all 10 articles

Habitual water intake impacted the body composition of young male athletes in free-living conditions: a cross-sectional study

\r\nJianfen Zhang,Jianfen Zhang1,2Na Zhang,Na Zhang1,3Yibin LiYibin Li1Hairong HeHairong He4Ge SongGe Song5Junying Chen,Junying Chen5,6Yi Yan
Yi Yan5*Guansheng Ma,
\r\nGuansheng Ma1,3*
  • 1Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, Haidian, China
  • 2Department of Student Nutrition, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, Xicheng, China
  • 3Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing, Haidian, China
  • 4Institute for Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, Dongcheng, China
  • 5Department of Sport Biochemistry, School of Sport Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, Haidian, China
  • 6Guangdong Ersha Sports Training Center, Guangzhou, China

The study aimed to explore the associations between water intake and body composition and differences of body composition in different water itake and hydration statuses among young male athletes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 111 young male athletes in Beijing, China. Total drinking fluids (TDF) and water from food were assessed using a 7-day, 24-h fluid intake record questionnaire and the duplicate portion method, respectively. The osmolality of 24-hour urine and blood samples was tested. Body composition was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer twice at 5-min intervals. Participants were divided into two groups based on the recommendations of total water intake (TWI) and TDF in China, as well as into three groups based on 24-h urine osmolality. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between water intake and body composition. Chi-square tests and Student's t-tests were used to compare differences. A total of 109 participants completed the study. TDF (r = 0.230, p = 0.016; r = 0.234, p = 0.014; r = 0.242, p = 0.011) and TWI (r = 0.275, p = 0.004; r = 0.243, p = 0.011; r = 0.243, p = 0.011) were positively correlated with total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW). TBW/body weight (BW) was positively associated with TDF percentage of BW (TDF/BW) (r = 0.267, p = 0.005), water from food percentage of BW (r = 0.217, p = 0.024), and TWI percentage of BW (TWI/BW) (r = 0.316, p = 0.001). Participants who met the TDF recommendation of China had 1.3 kg higher skeletal muscle mass (SMM), 0.9 kg higher ICW, and 0.5% higher TBW/BW than those who did not (all p < 0.05), with fat-free mass (FFM) and TBW being higher (p = 0.051; p = 0.050). Those who met the TWI recommendation of China had 1.3 kg higher SMM, 2.4 kg higher FFM, 1.1 kg higher ICW, 0.6 kg higher ECW, and 1.7 kg higher TBW than their counterparts (all p < 0.05). Moderate associations were found between water intake and body composition. No significant differences were observed among participants in three hydration statuses (all p > 0.05). Participants who met the TWI or TDF recommendations had better body composition distribution than their counterparts. Thus, habitual water intake, not hydration status, affects body composition among athletes in free-living conditions.

1 Introduction

Water is essential for life. Within the human body, water is distributed in intracellular and extracellular compartments. Intracellular water (ICW), which represents 60% of total body water (TBW), is the main determinant of cell volume. Extracellular water (ECW), which represents the other 40% of TBW, includes plasma, interstitial fluid, and other transcellular fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, and vitreous body fluid (1). Without water, humans can survive only for a few days. The human body obtains water from total drinking fluids (TDF), water from food, and metabolic water. TDF and food each contribute about 50% of total water intake (TWI), whereas metabolic water represents about 250–350 ml/day (2, 3). Therefore, water intake is important for the distribution of body water.

There is a dynamic balance between water intake and water output. When water intake is roughly equal to the output, people are in an optimal hydration status. Otherwise, individuals may experience hypohydration when the water intake does not compensate for water losses. A large body of research has reported that dehydration induces deficits in cognitive performance among adults (46). Even mild hypohydration is associated with an increased prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (79). Nevertheless, the evidence was regarded the non-athletic population, for athletes, the situations of hypohydration on health maybe more serious. It is accepted that the core body temperature increases during exercise, and blood flow to the skin increases concurrently to remove heat through sweat. Therefore, sweat loss during exercise that exceeds water intake may lead to dehydration among athletes (10). Additionally, a study conducted among mice showed that muscle is the first organ to lose water; thus, fluctuations in hydration status may directly affect muscle function (11). In this sence, evidence of effects of hydration status in neuromuscular function has been collected among athletes (12, 13). Indeed, dehydration over 2% of body weight impairs endurance exercise performance (14), including endurance cycling performance (15), and maximal aerobic capacity (16), by reducing blood volume, muscle blood flow, and thermoregulation (17). Moreover, that a deficit in body water may also impacted the performance during exercise through an increase in mood disturbance and subjective discomfort (18, 19), and may contribute to the decreased in endurance performance with hypohydration (20). Although strategies to maintain proper hydration status for athletes have been proposed (2126), a substantial number of studies (2731) indicate that a significant percentage of athletes are undehydrated before, during, and after exercise. Future research should help raise awareness of hydration status among athletes.

Studies have revealed a positive association between water intake and body water content (3235). Individuals with different levels of water intake show different hydration biomarkers, including urine osmolality and urine specific gravity (USG), among young adults and athletes (3639). Furthermore, young adults who meet the total fluids intake recommendation of China have higher ICW, ECW, and TBW than those who do not, in free-living conditions (32). Moreover, relative water turnover in participants with active physical activities is significantly greater than that in the sedentary group (40). Body composition may differ between athletes and non-athletes among adults. However, in China, few studies have evaluated the body composition of young adults (32, 4143) and even fewer have focused on athletes or explored the associations between water intake and body composition, which needs more attention. Additionally, a large proportion of athletes in China are not in euhydration status (44, 45), which may cause deleterious effects on performance, especially in hot weather. To date, differences in body composition among athletes with different hydration statuses have not been investigated.

Monitoring body composition, including TBW, ICW, and ECW, may represent an additional and valuable approach to control for potential body composition changes linked to physical performance in athletes. TBW and ICW are closely correlated with muscle mass, both in male and female elderly people, indicating that those with higher ICW have better functional performance and lower frailty risk (46). Furthermore, a reduction of 3%–4% in TBW caused by dehydration would attenuate muscular strength and power. ICW determines cell volume and is believed to affect metabolism, as water impacts protein structure and enzymatic activity (47, 48). Moreover, ICW is a good predictor of strength and power in athletes (11, 49), with decreases in ICW correlated with impaired muscle strength. Additionally, the ECW/ICW ratio can predict knee extension force and gait speed, unaffected by age and sex (50). Therefore, considering the importance of body composition for athletes, frequent investigations should take place. Although scientific studies investigating the body composition of athletes are growing, they are still limited. Therefore, more studies need to be initiated.

This study aimed to explore the associations between water intake and body composition and investigate differences in body composition among young athletes who meet the recommendation of TWI or TDF or not. Furthermore, we also aimed to compare the values of body water compartments among participants with different hydration statuses. With this research, we aimed to contribute to the provision of a science-based education on fluid intake for young adults.

2 Methods

2.1 Participants

A cross-sectional study was designed, and 111 young adult males were recruited in Beijing, China. The inclusion criteria were as follows: healthy adult male college students aged 18–25 years with a regular exercise training plan (more than five moderate-intensity exercises per week). The exclusion criteria were as follows: those with chronic diseases such as oral cavity (including the mouth ulcer or chronic cheilitis), endocrine, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, and metabolic diseases; sports injuries; cognitive impairment; and those who have taken drugs, vitamins, or other health products within the past month. The study protocol was approved by the Peking University Institutional Review Committee. The ethical approval project identification code is IRB00001052-19051. The study protocol has been registered on the Chinese clinical trial registry website, and the identification code is Chi CTR 1900025710. This study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki. All subjects signed an informed consent form before participating in the study.

2.2 Sample size calculation

In a similar study (51), more than 75% of the random urine samples of 4.4% of the participants were of optimal hydration status, with the set t = 1.96 (α = 0.05), e = 4%. Thus, according to the formula for calculating the sample size of simple random sampling, n = t2p (1-p)/e2, the maximum sample size is 101. Considering the dropout rate, set at 10%, 111 participants were needed for this research.

2.3 Study procedure

A total of 111 participants were recruited, and 109 of them completed the study, totalizing a completion rate of 98.2%. The athletes were all classified at least as tear 3 according to Mckay and colleagues (52). The study spanned 7 consecutive days, including 5 weekdays and 2 weekends. On the first study day, anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and waist circumference, were taken. For recording fluid intake from water and other beverages, all participants were instructed several times on how to record the related information on the self-designed 7-day, 24-h fluid intake questionnaire. In addition, over the 7 consecutive days, all the foods that the participants ate were weighed and recorded for 3 consecutive days (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day, from day 3 to day 5). Furthermore, during these 3 days, 24-h urine samples, including the first morning urine, were collected by the participants. On day 4, the fasting venous blood samples of all participants were collected. Moreover, the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity were recorded each day for 7 days. The study procedure is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1
www.frontiersin.org

Figure 1. Study procedure.

2.4 Measurement of TWI

A 7-day, 24-h fluid intake record questionnaire was used to assess the TDF (5355), which was designed by the investigator, as described previously (36). Participants were asked to complete the questionnaire for 7 consecutive days (5 weekdays and 2 weekends). The type and amount of fluid intake for each time were measured by a standard cup provided by the investigator. Furthermore, to ensure completeness and accuracy, the investigators checked the questionnaire every day. Before filling the records, a certified researcher provided instructions about how to recorded fluids intake each time. Furthermore, in order to avoid forgetting to record information about drinking water, notices were sent through WeChat, an instant messaging apps widely used by college students, to remind them to record (Tencent Holdings Ltd., Shenzhen, China).

All foods that the participants ate for the 3 days were weighed before and after eating, to calculate the amount of water from food (YP20001, SPC, Shanghai, China). Water from food was assessed using the duplicate portion method. Moreover, all food samples were collected by the investigators and sent to the laboratory for immediate storage. All food samples were measured according to the national standard GB 5009.3-2016, and the water from fruits or other snacks was assessed according to the China Food Composition Table (2016). The water from food was separated into five categories, as described in our previous study (36). Before three days of foods intake survey, participants were showed how to eat the foods, such as how to place chicken bones or fish bones, etc.

2.5 Temperature and humidity of the environment

The indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity were recorded each day for 7 days (WSB-1-H2, Exasace, Zhengzhou, China). The average temperature was 24.2°C ± 5.8°C at 10 a.m. each day, and the average humidity was 29.5% ± 15.8% RH during the study.

2.6 Anthropometric measurements

Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured twice by trained investigators using standard procedures in the morning of the first day of the study, with height was measured twice to the nearest 0.1 cm in bare feet and light clothes and fasting body weight (participants were asked to voided) was measured twice to the nearest 0.1 kg (HD2M-300; Huaju, Zhejiang, China; Accu Measure, Greenwood Village, CO, USA). Averages for height and weight were calculated. BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/height squared (m²).

The body composition was tested by a trained investigator using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer in the fifth day and seventh day of the study days (BIA; Inbody 230, Inbody, Seoul, Korea). Fasting body composition was evaluated with participants were asked to voided and with light clothes and bare feet. Each participant was tested twice. Before being tested, participants were asked not to eat or drink anything and to remain quiet for at least 15 min. The researcher entered the participant's number, age, and sex into the BIA, and the participants stood on the foot electrodes while holding the hand electrodes tightly. The test lasted about 3 min. During the test, participants were asked to stand still with an angle of about 15° between their trunk and upper limbs. After the data were displayed on the BIA, the participant stepped off the instrument and then stood on the foot electrodes again for the second measurement. The value used was the average of the two examinations.

2.7 Urine and plasma biomarkers

During the 3 consecutive days (2 weekdays and 1 weekend, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), which was from the fifth day to the seventh day of the study days, participants were asked to use customized urine collection bags to collect all random urine and filled out the urination behavior questionnaire, recording the time and volume of each urination. Furthermore, all the urine samples were collected, except the first urine samples on the morning of the fifth day. The collected urine was immediately sent to the laboratory. Trained investigators weighed the collected urine (YP20001, SPC, Shanghai, China), recorded and sampled it, and then stored the urine in a refrigerator at +4℃. In order to avoid the mistakes in recording urine, there were three actions. Firstly, participants should record the related information of each urine on the questionnaire and the urine collection bags; secondly, investigators were asked to recorded each urine the participants sent to the lab; thirdly, the amounts of the TWI and the volume of the urine would be checked. If there were some mistakes in the collection of the urine, the investigators would report to the researchers to find solutions.

Urine osmolality, USG, pH, urea, creatinine, and urine electrolyte concentrations (including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate) were tested using standard procedures (45). Fasting venous blood samples were collected by trained investigators to measure the concentrations of Na, K, Cl, testosterone, cortisol, creatinine, and copeptin, as described in our previous study (45). Osmolality of urine samples and plasma were assessed with freezing point method by osmotic pressure molar concentration meter (SMC 30C; Tianhe, Tianjin, China). USG, pH, urea and creatinine were tested by automatic urinary sediment analyzer with uric dry-chemistry method (H-800; Dirui, Changchun, China). The electrolyte concentrations of urine and plasma samples (including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium and phosphate) were evaluated by automatic biochemical analyzer with the ion-selective electrode potentiometer method (AU 5800; Beckman, Brea, CA, USA). The testosterone, cortisol, creatinine were determined by a trained investigator using Imark microplate reader (Bio-Rad 680, Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA). The creatinine level was assessed using the sarcosine oxidase method (C011-2-1, Jiancheng, Nanjing, China).

Participants were divided into three groups: optimal hydration status (defined as ≤500 mOsm/kg), medium hydration status (defined as 500 mOsm/kg <urine osmolality ≤800 mOsm/kg), and dehydration [defined as urine osmolality >800 mOsm/kg (1, 52, 56, 57)]. Moreover, participants were also assigned to two groups: those met the recommendation of TWI of China (≥AI), and those failed to meet the recommendation of TWI of China (<AI). Finally, participants were split into two groups: those met the recommendation of TDF of China (≥AI), and those failed to meet the recommendation of TDF of China (<AI).

2.8 Statistics

SAS 9.2 software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) was used for statistical analysis. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation or median and interquartile ranges if the data were not normally distributed. Chi-square tests and Student's t-tests were used to compare differences among groups. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between water intake and body composition. The significance level was set at 0.05.

3 Results

Table 1 shows the characteristics of the participants. Age, height, weight, BMI, and skeletal muscle of the participants were 20.8 years, 178.7 cm, 70.7 kg, 22.1 kg, and 34.9 kg, respectively (Supplementary Table S1). The amounts of TWI, TDF and water from food are displayed in Supplementary Table S2. The amounts of the TWI, TDF and water from food were 2,701 ml, 1,789 ml and 955 ml, respectively; with TDF contributing about 65.0% to TWI. Furthermore, the main contributor of TDF was water, which was 1,181 ml; while, the intake of sugar sweetened beverage was 469 ml.

Table 1
www.frontiersin.org

Table 1. Body composition of participants who met or did not meet the adequate intake of TWI and TDF of China.

The urinary and plasma biomarkers of the participants are showed in Supplementary Tables S3, S4. The volume, osmolality, specific gravity, pH and the concentrations Na, K and Cl of 24 h urine were 850 ml, 764 mOsm/kg, 1.020, 6.3, 202 mmol/L, 45.21 mmol/L and 221 mmol/L, respectively. Almost about of the participants were hypohydrated only 15.6% of them were in optimal hydration status.

3.1 Intracellular and extracellular fluid and fluid intake of the participants

Table 1 presents the differences in the mean body composition of participants who met the recommended adequate intake of water or not. Participants who met the recommendation for TDF in China had higher skeletal muscle mass (SMM), fat-free mass (FFM), ICW, and TBW/body weight (BW) (all p < 0.05), with TBW and ECW tending to be significantly different (p = 0.050; p = 0.059), when comparing with those falied meeting the recommendation. Similarly, those who met the recommendation for TWI in China had higher SMM, FFM, ICW, ECW, and TBW than their counterparts (all p < 0.05). It should be noted that the values of SMM, FFM, ICW, ECW, and TBW were all assessed by BIA in the current study.

3.2 Correlation between intracellular and extracellular fluid and fluid intake

Table 2 shows that TDF and TWI were positively correlated with TBW, respectively (r = 0.232, p = 0.015; r = 0.275, p = 0.004); simultaneously, significant associations were found between TDF and TWI with ICW, respectively (r = 0.234, p = 0.014; r = 0.243, p = 0.011); TDF and TWI were significantly associated with ECW, respectively (r = 0.243, p = 0.011; r = 0.242, p = 0.011). A significant correlation was also found only between ICW and water from food (r = 0.199, p = 0.038), but no significant associations were found between ECW and water from food (r = 0.161, p = 0.094), TBW and water from food, respectively (r = 0.185, p = 0.054).

Table 2
www.frontiersin.org

Table 2. Correlation between water intake normalized by body weight from all the sources analyzed with anthropometric and body composition variables of males.

3.3 Body composition of participants with different hydration statuses

No statistically significant differences were noted in SMM, FFM, ICW, ECW, TBW, BW, ICW/FFM, ECW/FFM, ICW/TBW, ECW/TBW, ECW/ICW, TBW/BW, and TBW/FFM among participants in the three hydration groups (p > 0.05) (Table 3).

Table 3
www.frontiersin.org

Table 3. Body composition of participants with different hydration statuses.

4 Discussion

The present study is the first to investigate differences among athletes with different water intakes and hydration status and to evaluate the relationship between water intake and body composition in China. The main findings of the current study were threefold: (1) moderate associations between water intake and body composition; (2) young male athletes with adequate water intake had a significant differences in body water; (3) participants in different hydration statuses had similar body water.

It is worth noting that the body composition of the participants were assessed by BIA. BIA is a technology that quantitatively measures body composition through impedance that occurs when an electric current flows through the human body. The instrument measuring the body composition in this study utilizes the molecular method to quantify four body components of body water, protein, minerals, and body fat. The instrument uses 8-point contact electrodes (two thumb electrodes, two palm electrodes, two sole electrodes and two heel electrodes) to measure 30 impedance values at 5 segments (left and right upper limbs, trunk and lower limbs) at 6 different frequencies (1 kHz, 5 KHz, 50 KHz, 250 kHz, 500 KHz and 1,000 kHz), so as to accurately analyze the total water content. BIA has been widely used to quantify body composition, including ICW, ECW, and TBW of athletes (5863), and has been compared with densitometry and dilution techniques as references (60, 64, 65).

In this study, ICW, ECW, and TBW were found to be 28.3 kg, 16.5 kg, and 44.8 kg, respectively, with TBW accounted for 63.3% of BW. In a study conducted among the young general population (32), TBW, ICW, and ECW were reported as 32.8 kg, 20.5 kg, and 12.4 kg, respectively, which were 12.0 kg, 7.8 kg, and 4.1 kg lower than the values reported in the current study, indicating that the body composition of athletes differ from that of the general population; these findings are consistent with those of a study conducted in Japan, in which the TBW of athletes was 3.2 kg higher than that of non-athletes (66). Furthermore, previous work has reported differences in ECW/TBW between athletic and non-athletic children (67). The results of the study confirmed differences between athletes and the general population. Additionally, due to differences in sweat output during increased energy expenditure from physical activity, the contribution of dietary composition to water turnover rates differs between active and sedentary men (40). In another study, TBW, ICW, and ECW among athletes were 47.46 kg, 28.86 kg, and 18.60 kg, respectively, which were all higher than the values reported in the present study, even though participants were of the same age (63). This may be attributed to racial and ethnic differences (68). Furthermore, FFM hydration (73.3%) reported in the present study was similar to that reported in a previous study (66).

Optimal body composition plays a significant role in athletic performance (69). ICW determines cell volume and impacts cell metabolism, and its depletion impairs the availability of nutrients and may produce intracellular catabolic effects (47, 49). ICW is an indicator of muscle quality and cell hydration and is related to muscle strength and functionality (70, 71). In the present study, participants who met or exceeded the recommendations for TWI had higher SMM, FFM, ICW, ECW, and TBW than their counterparts. Furthermore, those who met the recommendation for TDF in China had higher SMM and ICW than those who did not. A similar trend was found, including the ECW/TWI and TBW/BW, among general young adults aged 18–23 years in a previous study (32). In addition, a finding in agreement with other studies in the literature was that our present results confirmed moderate associations between water intake and body composition among athletes in China. Hence, those who achieved the adequate intake of TWI had better distribution of body composition and may also have better physical performance than those who did not. These results also indicated that water intake could impact the distribution of body composition among athletes. Nevertheless, it has been reported that LOW athletes exhibit higher USG when comparing with those with higher TWI; while TBW, ICW, ECW, and FFM hydration were not statistically different between groups (39). The population composition and methodologies in the two studies explained the differences of results. The study included males and females; the body water as measured by dilution techniques; the USG was the diagnosis of hydration status, and the participants were split into two groups with their habitual TWI obtained by seven-day food records, according to the standard of EFSA. While, in the present study, only young male athletes were included; BIA was used to assess the body water; the hydration status was evaluated by the osmolality of 24 h urine; the TWI was measured by questionnaire for 7 consecutive days of TDF survey (measured by a cup to the nearest 5 ml and recorded fluids intake each time) and 3 days of water from food survey (duplicate portion method) and participants were divided according to the recommendation of TWI or TDF China. Further studies were needed to explore this issue.

Regarding to the TDF and hydration status, in a previous study, a higher proportion of participants with higher habitual TDF had optimal hydration status than their counterparts (36). Thus, those with higher habitual TDF may have a lower risk of being dehydrated. Especially, the current study presents the need for athletes to maintain adequate water intake and the importance of educating athletes on proper hydration.

As previously mentioned, hydration is important for athletes, and hypohydration, mainly as a result of sweat loss among athletes, impairs physical performance, particularly reducing endurance performance (12, 13, 72, 73). Furthermore, hydration status also affects body composition. In our study, ICW, ECW, and TBW among athletes with different hydration statuses did not differ, similar to the results of another study (74). The study exploring the water compartments of athletes with differing hydration statuses demonstrated that ICW, ECW, TBW, and other variables of body composition did not differ between different hydration groups (74). Notwithstanding, in some acute heat-induced or water restriction-induced hypohydration cases, the body composition changed when comparing the hypohydration with baseline or rehydration. One study conducted among young adults showed that individuals who were hypohydrated had higher ICW/TBW, and lower ECW and ECW/TBW than baseline values (42). Another study conducted among athletes revealed that participants seemed to be dehydrated after an Ironman triathlon compared with baseline values (75). Thus, hydration status may not impact body composition among athletes in free-living conditions. Differences in the methods used in the studies and the indices evaluating hydration status and body composition could explain the controversial results of the research mentioned above, with the current study being a cross-sectional study, whereas the others were self-controlled or randomized controlled studies.

The body water compartments of the athletes in our study were evaluated by BIA. Some studies have demonstrated the validity and reliability of the BIA in assessing the body water (60). In contrast, some studies came to the conclusions that overestimation of body fat mass and lower estimation of TBW should be considered when evaluating the body composition in health-clinical practice. The measurements of the BIA maybe impacted by factors including the nutritional status, hydration statuses, machine specifications and the technical skill (7678). Maybe such a lack of validity could attributed to the differences of the present study and other studies, therefore, more studies should be conducted to explore the issue further.

Our findings highlight the need for tracking body composition, specifically ICW, ECW, TBW, and FFM hydration, in athletes to avoid reductions. The study had strenghs and limitations. In regard to the strengths, it was the first study investigated the correlations between water intake and body water among athletes with different total drinking fluids. Moreover, 7-day 24 h fluid intake questionnaire and the duplicate portion method were used to assess the total drinking fluids for seven consecutive days and amounts of water from all the food the participants ate for three consecutive days which would reduce the recall bias. There are limitations to this investigation to consider. The study was conducted only among male young athletes, not including females. Additionally, future studies including a larger population of different ages of adults are needed to verify our findings.

5 Conclusions

The present results confirmed moderate associations between water intake and body composition among athletes with habitual water intake in free-living conditions in China. Furthermore, water intake, but not hydration statuses, was found to affect body composition among athletes in free-living conditions.

Data availability statement

The datasets of this study is available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethics statement

The studies involving humans were approved by Peking University Institutional Review Committee (the ethical approval project identification code is IRB00001052-19051). The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study.

Author contributions

JZ: Writing – original draft, Methodology, Investigation, Formal Analysis. NZ: Writing – review & editing, Supervision, Methodology, Funding acquisition, Data curation. YL: Writing – original draft, Investigation, Formal Analysis, Data curation. HH: Writing – original draft, Methodology, Investigation. GS: Writing – original draft, Investigation, Formal Analysis, Data curation. JC: Writing – original draft, Investigation. YY: Writing – review & editing, Validation, Supervision, Resources, Project administration. GM: Writing – review & editing, Visualization, Validation, Supervision, Project administration, Methodology, Funding acquisition, Conceptualization.

Funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81673146).

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the National Natural Science Foundation of China for funding this project. We also extend our gratitude to the investigators from the college who participated in this project.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher's note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2024.1458242/full#supplementary-material

Abbreviations

ICW, intracellular water; ECW, extracellular water; TBW, total body water; FFM, free fat mass; SMM, skeletal muscle mass; BW, body weight; TWI, total water intake; TDF, total drinking fluids.

References

1. Authority E. Scientific opinion on dietary reference values for water. EFSA J. (2010) 8:1459. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1459

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

2. Jéquier E, Constant F. Water as an essential nutrient: the physiological basis of hydration. Eur J Clin Nutr. (2010) 64:115–23. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2009.111

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

3. Zhang N, He H, Zhang J, Ma G. Determination of the energy expenditure, sources, and loss of water among young adults. Nutr Metab (Lond). (2022) 19:32. doi: 10.1186/s12986-022-00668-2

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

4. Wittbrodt MT, Millard-stafford M. Dehydration impairs cognitive performance: a meta-analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc. (2018) 50:2360–8. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001682

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

5. Zhang J, Ma G, Du S, Liu S, Zhang N. Effects of water restriction and supplementation on cognitive performances and mood among young adults in Baoding, China: a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Nutrients. (2021) 13:3645. doi: 10.3390/nu13103645

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

6. Stachenfeld NS, Leone CA, Mitchell ES, Freese E, Harkness L. Water intake reverses dehydration associated impaired executive function in healthy young women. Physiol Behav. (2018) 185:103–11. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.12.028

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

7. Stookey JD, Kavarous SA, Suh HG, Lang F. Underhydration is associated with obesity, chronic diseases, and death within 3 to 6 years in the U.S. population aged 51–70 years. Nutrients. (2020) 12:905. doi: 10.3390/nu12040905

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

8. Min HK, Ko HY, Kim JT, Bankir L, Lee SW. Low hydration status may be associated with insulin resistance and fat distribution: analysis of the Korea national health and nutrition examination survey (KNHANES) 2008–2010. Br J Nutr. (2020) 124:199–208. doi: 10.1017/S0007114520001063

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

9. Armstrong LE, Bergeron MF, Muñoz CX, Kavouras SA. Low daily water intake profile—is it a contributor to disease? Nutr Health. (2024) 0(0):1–12. doi: 10.1177/02601060241238826

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

10. Francisco R, Jesus F, Di VO, Nunes CL, Alvim M, Sardinha LB, et al. Assessment of exercise-induced dehydration in underhydrated athletes: which method shows the most promise? Clin Nutr. (2024) 43:2139–48. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.08.003

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

11. Silva AM, Fields DA, Heymsfield SB, Sardinha LB. Relationship between changes in total-body water and fluid distribution with maximal forearm strength in elite judo athletes. J Strength Cond Res. (2011) 25:2488–95. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181fb3dfb

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

12. Francisco R, Jesus F, Nunes CL, Santos P, Alvim M, Campa F, et al. H2OAthletes study protocol: effects of hydration changes on neuromuscular function in athletes. Bri J Nutr. (2024) 131:1579–90. doi: 10.1017/S0007114524000308

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

13. Francisco R, Jesus F, Santos P, Trbovšek P, Moreira AS, Nunes C, et al. Does acute dehydration affect the neuromuscular function in healthy adults? A systematic review. Appl Physiol Nutri Metab. (2024). doi: 10.1139/apnm-2024-0192

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

14. Cheuvront SN, Carter RR, Sawka MN. Fluid balance and endurance exercise performance. Curr Sports Med Rep. (2003) 2:202–8. doi: 10.1249/00149619-200308000-00006

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

15. James LJ, Funnell MP, James RM, Mears SA. Does hypohydration really impair endurance performance? Methodological considerations for interpreting hydration research. Sports Med. (2019) 49:103–14. doi: 10.1007/s40279-019-01188-5

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

16. Trangmar SJ, González-Alonso J. Heat, hydration and the human brain, heart and skeletal muscles. Sports Med. (2019) 49:69–85. doi: 10.1007/s40279-018-1033-y

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

17. Savoie FA, Kenefick RW, Ely BR, Cheuvront SN, Goulet EDB. Effect of hypohydration on muscle endurance, strength, anaerobic power and capacity and vertical jumping ability: a meta-analysis. Sports Med. (2015) 45:1207–27. doi: 10.1007/s40279-015-0349-0

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

18. Pross N, Demazieres A, Girard N, Barnouin R, Santoro F, Chevillotte E, et al. Influence of progressive fluid restriction on mood and physiological markers of dehydration in women. Bir J Nutr. (2013) 109(2):313–21. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512001080

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

19. Szinnai G, Schachinger H, Arnaud MJ. Effect of water deprivation on cognitive-motor performance in healthy men and women. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. (2005) 289(1):R275–80. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00501.2004

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

20. Cheuvront SN, Kenefick RW. Dehydration: physiology, assessment, and performance effects. Compr Physiol. (2011) 4(1):257–85. doi: 10.1002/cphy.c130017

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

21. Hoffman MD. Proper hydration during ultra-endurance activities. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. (2019) 27:8–14. doi: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000229

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

22. Belval LN, Hosokawa Y, Casa DJ, Adams WM, Armstrong LE, Baker LB, et al. Practical hydration solutions for sports. Nutrients (2019) 11:1550. doi: 10.3390/nu11071550

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

23. Armstrong LE, Johnson EC, McKenzie AL, Ellis LA, Williamson KH. Ultraendurance cycling in a hot environment: thirst, fluid consumption, and water balance. J Strength Cond Res. (2015) 29:869–76. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000822

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

24. Namineni N, Potok OA, Ix JH, Ginsberg C, Negoianu D, Rifkin DE, et al. Marathon runners’ knowledge and strategies for hydration. Clin J Sport Med. (2022) 32:517–22. doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000990

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

25. Barnes KA, Anderson ML, Stofan JR, Dalrymple KJ, Reimel AJ, Roberts TJ, et al. Normative data for sweating rate, sweat sodium concentration, and sweat sodium loss in athletes: an update and analysis by sport. J Sports Sci. (2019) 37:2356–66. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1633159

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

26. Areta JL, Elliott-Sale KJ. Nutrition for female athletes: what we know, what we don’t know, and why. Eur J Sport Sci. (2022) 5:22. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2046176

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

27. Yeargin S, Torres-McGehee TM, Emerson D, Koller J, Dickinson J. Hydration, eating attitudes and behaviors in age and weight-restricted youth American football players. Nutrients. (2021) 13:2565. doi: 10.3390/nu13082565

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

28. Kavouras SA, Arnaoutis G, Makrillos M, Garagouni C, Nikolaou E, Chira O, et al. Educational intervention on water intake improves hydration status and enhances exercise performance in athletic youth. Scand J Med Sci Sports. (2012) 22:684–9. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01296.x

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

29. Cox GR, Broad EM, Riley MD, Burke LM. Body mass changes and voluntary fluid intakes of elite level water polo players and swimmers. J Sci Med Sport. (2002) 5:183–93. doi: 10.1016/S1440-2440(02)80003-2

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

30. Zubac D, Cular D, Marusic U. Reliability of urinary dehydration markers in elite youth boxers. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. (2018) 13:374–81. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0621

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

31. Buoite Stella A, Francescato MP, Sims ST, Morrison SA. Fluid intake behavior in athletes during typical training bouts. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. (2017) 57:1504–12. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.16.06722-0

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

32. Zhang N, Zhang J, Du S, He H, Yan X, Ma G. Association between the content of intracellular and extracellular fluid and the amount of water intake among Chinese college students. Nutr Metab (Lond). (2019) 16:67. doi: 10.1186/s12986-019-0397-9

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

33. Laja García AI, Moráis-Moreno C, Samaniego-Vaesken ML, Puga AM, Varela-Moreiras G, Partearroyo T. Association between hydration status and body composition in healthy adolescents from Spain. Nutrients. (2019) 11:2692. doi: 10.3390/nu11112692

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

34. Carretero-Krug A, Úbeda N, Velasco C, Medina-Font J, Laguna TT, Varela-Moreiras G, et al. Hydration status, body composition, and anxiety status in aeronautical military personnel from Spain: a cross-sectional study. Mil Med Res. (2021) 8:35. doi: 10.1186/s40779-021-00327-2

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

35. Valensise H, Andreoli A, Lello S, Magnani F, Romanini C, De Lorenzo A. Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis in women with a normal and hypertensive pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr. (2000) 72:780–3. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/72.3.780

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

36. Zhang J, Zhang N, Wang Y, Liang S, Liu S, Du S, et al. Drinking patterns and hydration biomarkers among young adults with different levels of habitual total drinking fluids intake in Baoding, Hebei province, China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. (2020) 20:468. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-08558-z

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

37. Perrier E, Vergne S, Klein A, Poupin M, Rondeau P, Le Bellego L, et al. Hydration biomarkers in free-living adults with different levels of habitual fluid consumption. Br J Nutr. (2013) 109:1678–87. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512003601

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

38. Zhang J, Zhang N, Li Y, He H, Ma G. Habitual total drinking fluid intake did not affect plasma hydration biomarkers among young male athletes in Beijing, China: a cross-sectional study. Nutrients. (2022) 14:2311. doi: 10.3390/nu14112311

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

39. Francisco R, Jesus F, Nunes CL, Cioffi I, Alvim M, Mendonca GV, et al. Athletes with different habitual fluid intakes differ in hydration status but not in body water compartments. Scand J Med Sci Sports. (2023) 33:1072–8. doi: 10.1111/sms.14355

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

40. Chen W, Jiang H, Yang JX, Yang H, Liu JM, Zhen XY, et al. Body composition analysis by using bioelectrical impedance in a young healthy Chinese population: methodological considerations. Food Nutr Bull. (2017) 38:172–81. doi: 10.1177/0379572117697534

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

41. Zhang J, Zhang N, Du S, Liu S, Ma G. Effects of water restriction and water replenishment on the content of body water with bioelectrical impedance among young adults in Baoding, China: a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Nutrients. (2021) 13:553. doi: 10.3390/nu13020553

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

42. Zhang J, Zhang N, Du S, Liu S, Ma G. Acute water supplementation improved the body composition of young female adults after water restriction of 12 h in Baoding, China: a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Front Nutr. (2022) 9:880630. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.880630

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

43. Fan YL, Li ZY, Loh YC. Evaluation and education of hydration and sodium status in a cool environment among Chinese athletes. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. (2022) 26:6896–903. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202210_29869

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

44. Zhang N, Zhang J, Wang X, Li Y, Yan Y, Ma G. Behaviors of water intake, hydration status, and related hydration biomarkers among physically active male young adults in Beijing, China: a cross-sectional study. Int J Clin Pract (2022) 2022:9436186. doi: 10.1155/2022/9436186

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

45. Serra-Prat M, Lorenzo I, Palomera E, Ramírez S, Yébenes JC. Total body water and intracellular water relationships with muscle strength, frailty and functional performance in an elderly population. a cross-sectional study. J Nutr Health Aging. (2019) 23:96–101. doi: 10.1007/s12603-018-1129-y

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

46. Haussinger D, Lang F, Gerok W. Regulation of cell function by the cellular hydration state. Am J Physiol. (1994) 267:E343–55. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.1994.267.3.E343

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

47. Haussinger D, Roth E, Lang F, Gerok W. Cellular hydration state: an important determinant of protein catabolism in health and disease. Lancet. (1993) 341:1330–2. doi: 10.1016/0140-6736(93)90828-5

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

48. Silva AM, Matias CN, Santos DA, Rocha PM, Minderico CS, Sardinha LB. Increases in intracellular water explain strength and power improvements over a season. Int J Sports Med. (2014) 35:1101–5. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1371839

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

49. Yamada Y, Yoshida T, Yokoyama K, Watanabe Y, Miyake M, Yamagata E, et al. The extracellular to intracellular water ratio in upper legs is negatively associated with skeletal muscle strength and gait speed in older people. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. (2017) 72:173–8. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glw072

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

50. Zhang N, Du S, Tang Z, Zheng M, Yan R, Zhu Y, et al. Hydration, fluid intake, and related urine biomarkers among male college students in Cangzhou, China: a cross-sectional study—applications for assessing fluid intake and adequate water intake. Int J Environ Res Public Health. (2017) 14:513. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14050513

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

51. McKay AK, Stellingwerff T, Smith ES, Martin DT, Mujika I, Goosey TVL, et al. Defining training and performance caliber: a participant classification framework. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. (2022) 17:317–31. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2021-0451

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

52. Ma G, Zhang Q, Liu A, Zuo J, Zhang W, Zou S, et al. Fluid intake of adults in four Chinese cities. Nutr Rev. (2012) 70:s105–10. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2012.00520.x

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

53. Gandy J, Martinez H, Guelinckx I, Moreno LA, Bardosono S, Jordi SS, et al. Relevance of assessment methods for fluid intake. Ann Nutr Metab. (2016) 68(2):1–5. doi: 10.1159/000446197

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

54. Armstrong LE, Johnson EC, Mckenzie AL, Colleen XM. An empirical method to determine inadequacy of dietary water. Nutrition. (2016) 32:79–82. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2015.07.013

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

55. Kavouras SA. Hydration, dehydration, underhydration, optimal hydration: are we barking up the wrong tree? Eur J Nutr. (2019) 58:471–3. doi: 10.1007/s00394-018-01889-z

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

56. Perrier ET, Buendia-Jimenez I, Vecchio M, Armstrong LE, Tack I, Klein A. Twenty-four-hour urine osmolality as a physiological index of adequate water intake. Dis Markers. (2015) 2015:1. doi: 10.1155/2015/231063

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

57. Moon JR. Body composition in athletes and sports nutrition: an examination of the bioimpedance analysis technique. Eur J Clin Nutr. (2013) 67:S54–9. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2012.165

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

58. Matias CN, Santos DA, Júdice PB, Magalhães JP, Minderico CS, Fields DA, et al. Estimation of total body water and extracellular water with bioimpedance in athletes: a need for athlete-specific prediction models. Clin Nutr. (2016) 35:468–74. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2015.03.013

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

59. Campa F, Gobbo LA, Stagi S, Cyrino LT, Toselli S, Marini E, et al. Bioelectrical impedance analysis versus reference methods in the assessment of body composition in athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. (2022) 122:561–89. doi: 10.1007/s00421-021-04879-y

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

60. Martins PC, Hansen F, Silva AM, Silva DAS. Fluid distribution and cell integrity indicators evaluated by bioelectrical impedance in university athletes: comparison between team sports and individual sports. Physiol Meas. (2019) 40:015004. doi: 10.1088/1361-6579/aaf8cd

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

61. Matias CN, Santos DA, Gonçalves EM, Fields DA, Sardinha LB, Silva AM. Is bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy accurate in estimating total body water and its compartments in elite athletes? Ann Hum Biol. (2013) 40:152–6. doi: 10.3109/03014460.2012.750684

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

62. Matias CN, Júdice PB, Santos DA, Magalhães JP, Minderico CS, Fields DA, et al. Suitability of bioelectrical based methods to assess water compartments in recreational and elite athletes. J Am Coll Nutr. (2016) 35:413–21. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2015.1058198

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

63. Campa F, Toselli S, Mazzilli M, Gobbo LA, Coratella G. Assessment of body composition in athletes: a narrative review of available methods with special reference to quantitative and qualitative bioimpedance analysis. Nutrients. (2021) 13:1620. doi: 10.3390/nu13051620

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

64. Lukaski H, Raymond-Pope CJ. New frontiers of body composition in sport. Int J Sports Med. (2021) 42:588–601. doi: 10.1055/a-1373-5881

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

65. Sagayama H, Yamada Y, Ichikawa M, Kondo E, Yasukata J, Tanabe Y, et al. Evaluation of fat-free mass hydration in athletes and non-athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. (2020) 120:1179–88. doi: 10.1007/s00421-020-04356-y

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

66. Meleleo D, Bartolomeo N, Cassano L, Nitti A, Susca G, Mastrototaro G, et al. Evaluation of body composition with bioimpedence. A comparison between athletic and non-athletic children. Eur J Sport Sci. (2017) 17:710–9. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2017.1291750

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

67. Blue MNM, Tinsley GM, Ryan ED, Smith-Ryan AE. Validity of body-composition methods across racial and ethnic populations. Adv Nutr. (2021) 12:1854–62. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmab016

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

68. Ackland TR, Lohman TG, Sundgot-Borgen J, Maughan RJ, Meyer NL, Stewart AD, et al. Current status of body composition assessment in sport: review and position statement on behalf of the ad hoc research working group on body composition health and performance, under the auspices of the I. O. C. medical commission. Sports Med. (2012) 42:227–49. doi: 10.2165/11597140-000000000-00000

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

69. Lorenzo I, Serra-Prat M, Yébenes JC. The role of water homeostasis in muscle function and frailty: a review. Nutrients. (2019) 11:1857. doi: 10.3390/nu11081857

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

70. Silva AM, Fields DA, Heymsfield SB, Sardinha LB. Body composition and power changes in elite judo athletes. Int J Sports Med. (2010) 31:737–41. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1255115

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

71. Reeve T, Gordon R, Laursen PB, Lee JKW, Tyler CJ. Impairment of cycling capacity in the heat in well-trained endurance athletes after high-intensity short-term heat acclimation. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. (2019) 14:1058–65. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2018-0537

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

72. Judelson DA, Maresh CM, Anderson JM, Armstrong LE, Casa DJ, Kraemer WJ, et al. Hydration and muscular performance: does fluid balance affect strength, power and high-intensity endurance? Sports Med. (2007) 37:907–21. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200737100-00006

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

73. Francisco R, Jesus F, Gomes T, Nunes CL, Rocha P, Minderico CS, et al. Validity of water compartments estimated using bioimpedance spectroscopy in athletes differing in hydration status. Scand J Med Sci Sports. (2021) 31:1612–20. doi: 10.1111/sms.13966

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

74. Sousa CV, Aguiar SDS, Olher RDR, Sales MM, de Moraes MRD, Nikolaidis PT, et al. Hydration status after an ironman triathlon: a meta-analysis. J Hum Kinet. (2019) 70:93–102. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2018-0096

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

75. Ugras S. Evaluating of altered hydration status on effectiveness of body composition analysis using bioelectric impedance analysis. Libyan J Med. (2020) 15:1741904. doi: 10.1080/19932820.2020.1741904

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

76. Brantlov S, Ward LC, Jødal L, Rittig S, Lange A. Critical factors and their impact on bioelectrical imped-ance analysis in children: a review. J Med Eng Technol. (2017) 41:22–35. doi: 10.1080/03091902.2016.1209590

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

77. Schierbauer J, Gunther S, Haupt S, Zimmer RT, Herz D, Voit T, et al. Acute fluid intake impacts assessment of body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis. A randomized, controlled crossover pilot trial. Metabolites. (2023) 13:473. doi: 10.3390/metabo13040473

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

78. Disher AE, Stewart KL, Bach AJE, Stewart IB. Contribution of dietary composition on water turnover rates in active and sedentary men. Nutrients. (2021) 13:2124. doi: 10.3390/nu13062124

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Keywords: body composition, total water intake, total drinking fluids, association, hydration status, young athletes

Citation: Zhang J, Zhang N, Li Y, He H, Song G, Chen J, Yan Y and Ma G (2024) Habitual water intake impacted the body composition of young male athletes in free-living conditions: a cross-sectional study. Front. Sports Act. Living 6:1458242. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1458242

Received: 2 July 2024; Accepted: 7 October 2024;
Published: 22 October 2024.

Edited by:

Baoming Tian, Zhejiang University of Technology, China

Reviewed by:

Julian Andrew Owen, Bangor University, United Kingdom
Kommi Kalpana, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS), India
Rúben Francisco, University of Lisbon, Portugal

Copyright: © 2024 Zhang, Zhang, Li, He, Song, Chen, Yan and Ma. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Yi Yan, eWFueWkyMkBzaW5hLmNvbQ==; Guansheng Ma, bWFnc0Biam11LmVkdS5jbg==

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.