Final answer:
The Adequate Intake (AI) for water for adult males is 3.7 liters per day, as set by the Institute of Medicine. This amount includes water from all dietary sources and is necessary to match the average daily water output of 2.5 liters.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the Adequate Intake (AI) for water for adult males is set at 3.7 liters (15.6 cups) per day. This recommendation takes into account the total water from all dietary sources, i.e., water content from both beverages and food. The human body requires a balance between water intake and output, and the AI reflects the level believed to adequately meet the nutritional needs of most healthy adult males.
Total water output per day for an adult averages 2.5 liters, which must be matched with water input through beverages and the foods we eat. Moreover, the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating water balance in the body, by conserving water during dehydration and expelling excess water when needed.
Therefore, the correct answer to the total water intake per day for adult men is D) 3.7 liters.