How long does it take for water to be metabolized/digested?

Question

I'm doing a science fair project for school and need to know how long it takes before water is metabolized and begins to work/kick in (Ex: sports)

Any kind of answer would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I second ecolink's answer. There are no calories in water, there for it can't be metabolized, only absorbed and used for whatever your body needs it for. From what I recall from my classes (exercise physiology), the fastest means of water absorption was found with slightly cooled water (just below room temperature), but the rates of absorption between the different temperatures weren't huge.

You could probably find some abstracts to support that info on pubmed if you really wanted to search it out.

There are some interesting things with the speed at which different mixtures for energy drinks can be metabolized, but that's a whole different question/ball game there.

Answer 2

Water doesn't need to be metabolised but needs to be absorbed which happens quite quickly, say in a few minutes. Water doesn't need to be digested and in fact either helps or hinders the digestion depending upon the stomach acidity and the food in the stomach.

Since your question pertained to sports as an example, I wanted to add that water alone without salt makes dehydration and the consequent electrolyte loss worse for sports persons. So, water with a little sugar or glucose and salt should be taken for better absorption. Most of the sports drinks are that is why made with sugar/glucose and salts (sodium, potassium and may be a few more) in water.

Answer 3

Water isn't metabolized or digested. It's just absorbed and used as water.

Answer 4

i don't think it is its meant to be kept in the body as best as possible so it is taken out of the gut in the digestion tract.

Answer 5

Until you urinate/sweat it out.....so about 30 minutes to an hour.