Research Advances in Hydration Status and Kidney, Liver, and Cardiovascular Health, and Tailored Water Intake Recommendations for Chinese Children.

Abstract

Suboptimal hydration status has increasingly been recognized as a risk factor for the progression of chronic diseases. A nationwide survey conducted in China found that 82% of children aged 6 to 17 years failed to meet the recommended daily total water intake of 1600-2500 mL. On average, boys consumed 1603 ± 731 mL per day, while girls consumed 1487 ± 661 mL per day, placing them at a higher risk of dehydration. Worldwide studies have suggested associations between dehydration and chronic kidney disease, steatotic liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases in adults. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning hydration status and target organ damage in the pediatric population. Only a limited number of studies have suggested that suboptimal hydration status is associated with transient renal impairment, an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and decreased ventricular structure and function in children. This article reviews the association between hydration status and target organ damage in both adult and pediatric populations and summarizes tailored water intake recommendations for Chinese children. We aim to advance research on hydration status and kidney, liver, and cardiovascular health, especially in the pediatric population.