Which age group has the highest vulnerability to dehydration?

Infants have the highest vulnerability to dehydration due to several physiological and developmental factors. Their bodies contain a higher percentage of water compared to older children and adults, which means they have a greater risk of experiencing fluid imbalances. Additionally, infants have a higher metabolic rate and surface area relative to their body size, leading to faster rates of fluid loss.

Infants also lack the ability to communicate their needs effectively, making it more challenging to recognize when they are thirsty or need fluids. Their kidneys, while functional, are still developing, which can further impair their ability to concentrate urine and retain water efficiently. These factors combined contribute to an increased susceptibility to dehydration, particularly in situations where fluid intake is limited or losses are elevated, such as during illness with vomiting or diarrhea.

In contrast, adolescents, adults, and the elderly each have their own risks regarding dehydration, but they generally have better compensatory mechanisms, awareness of thirst, and a more developed ability to balance fluid intake and losses. This makes infants the most vulnerable group when it comes to dehydration.