Is it true that water is the body's principal chemical component?

Prepare for the Utah Nutrition Certification Exam. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with helpful explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

Water is indeed the body's principal chemical component, constituting about 60% of an adult's body weight and even more in infants, where it can range from 75% to 78%. This high percentage highlights the vital role water plays in various bodily functions, including regulating temperature, transporting nutrients, and facilitating biochemical reactions.

The significance of water as a major component is consistent across all stages of life, although the exact percentage varies with age and body composition. In adults, water remains the largest portion of body weight and is essential for maintaining hydration, supporting organ function, and ensuring overall health.

The inclusion of the other options, such as "Only in infants" or "Only in adults," can create confusion about the universal importance of water throughout life stages. While it's true that infants have a higher percentage of water, this does not diminish water's essential role as the principal component for all humans.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy