Will a Person with Normal Kidney Function Produce Urine?
Yes, a person with normal kidney function will absolutely produce urine—this is a fundamental and essential function of healthy kidneys. 1
Basic Kidney Physiology and Urine Production
The kidney contains over 1 million functioning nephrons that continuously filter blood and produce urine through three key processes: filtration, reabsorption, and secretion 1
Each nephron's glomerulus filters blood free of cells and large proteins, creating an ultrafiltrate that enters the tubule where it is modified to produce final urine 1
Under normal circumstances with typical diet, exercise, and climate, the minimal obligatory urine output for healthy adults is approximately 500 ml/day 2
Normal Urine Output Parameters
In healthy adults with normal kidney function and adequate fluid intake (>500 ml/day), the kidneys will excrete solute-free water beyond the obligatory minimum 2
Normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in young adults is approximately 120-130 mL/min per 1.73 m², which represents the kidney's capacity to filter blood and produce urine 3
The recommended total daily fluid intake of 3,000 ml for men and 2,200 ml for women results in corresponding urine production that exceeds the minimal obligatory output 2
Clinical Markers of Normal Kidney Function
Normal protein excretion in healthy adults averages 44 mg/day, with a urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio never exceeding 100 mg/g in the absence of exercise, fever, or urinary tract disease 4
An albumin-to-creatinine ratio less than 30 mg/g in untimed urine samples is considered normal and indicates healthy kidney function with appropriate urine production 3
Important Physiological Context
Urine output is regulated by osmoregulation through vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and the kidneys, working in combination with the thirst mechanism 2
The obligatory urine volume is determined by maximal renal concentrating ability and the solute load that must be excreted 2
Fluid balance is maintained through intake from food, metabolism, and beverages, with losses occurring via skin, respiration, feces, and urinary output 2