Final answer:
For most adults, drinking approximately 2 liters of water per day is sufficient to maintain proper hydration and balance the average water output. It's important to note that individual needs may vary, and the Institute of Medicine recommends a higher intake when considering water from all dietary sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct answer to the student's question is A) TRUE. Most adults require about 2 liters of water per day for optimal hydration. This intake is based on the assumption that an individual's total water output averages at 2.5 liters daily, which must be balanced with water input. A combination of drinking fluids and water from solid foods helps meet this daily water requirement, where metabolic processes in the body also contribute approximately 300 milliliters of water per day.
According to the information provided, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) Adequate Intake (AI) for water is even higher, recommending 3.7 liters for adult males and 2.7 liters for adult females, which includes water from all dietary sources. Therefore, while 2 liters might be a minimalist guideline, actual recommendations for water intake can be higher, depending on various factors like activity levels, health status, and environmental conditions. It is important to avoid both dehydration and excessive water intake to keep the body's electrolyte balance in order.