Abstract
Total body water and its biological half life were estimated by deuterium oxide (D2O) dilution method in male and female students. The urinary D2O concentration was determined by gaschromatographic method.
Within 3 hours after oral administration of D2O, D2O concentration of body water achieved an equilibrium and then decreased gradually. The decrement was applicable to an exponential equation, Y=A0e-λt. Total body water and its biological half life were calculated from the amount of D2O administered and the D20 concentration at zero time (A0)
Total body water of fourteen female athletes, eight female students and twelve male athletes were 57.8 ± 2.4%, 51.6 ± 2.9% and 67.1 ± 2.4% of body weight, respectively. The content of body water to body weight in female athletes was significantly higher than that in female students. However, the contents of body water to fat free mass in female athletes and in female students were not significantly different. The highest content of body water to body weight was observed in male athletes subjects. Biological half life of body water was faster in male and female athletes measured in summer than female students measured in autumn.
