Frequently Asked Questions
FLUID BALANCE
Q: Can coffee contribute to daily fluid intake?
A: Yes, healthy adults need two to three litres of fluid a day – more if they are physically active or the weather is hot or humid. This is approximately equivalent to daily losses. Drinks, foods and to a much lesser extent metabolism, all contribute to meeting fluid requirements. The recommended fluid intake can be achieved through a range of drinks – including moderate coffee consumption, of 4-5 cups per day.
Q: But isn’t coffee a diuretic?
A: Diuretics are substances that cause the body to produce more urine. Though coffee contains caffeine, accepted as being a mild diuretic, there is no scientific evidence to back-up any advice to avoid it. Indeed advising people to cut back their regular coffee intake could result in an overall reduction in fluid intake.
Q: Do you have to follow every cup of coffee with a glass of water, as frequently recommended?
No, the recommended fluid intake can be achieved through a range of drinks – including moderate coffee consumption, of 4-5 cups per day. The British Nutrition Foundation states that `you do not need to drink more water to compensate for consuming caffeinated drinks’.
