European hydration guidelines

In late July 2026 German health experts highlighted the cardiovascular risks associated with insufficient daily fluid intake. Dr. Natalia Dmitrieva and nutrition specialist Hans Hauner warned that dehydration can trigger physiological mechanisms that increase the likelihood of heart failure and advised a baseline of 1.5–2 liters per day, with a weight‑based recommendation of 30–40 ml per kilogram.

A few days later, European health authorities expanded on these recommendations by publishing detailed daily water intake guidelines. The guidance, issued by the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and referenced in Swiss publications, suggested that adults aim for roughly two to three litres of total fluid per day, including beverages and food. It provided a practical calculator translating the 30–40 ml/kg rule to about 2.1–2.8 L for a 70‑kg adult and offered age‑specific tables, noting higher per‑kilogram needs for infants and children. An alternative metric tying fluid intake to caloric consumption (≈1 ml per kilocalorie) was also presented.