Standard of 36.6°C for human body temperature refuted by Stanford

According to a Stanford University study, the average human body temperature is no longer 36.6°C, a claim that could redefine our understanding of “normal” when it comes to health.

Questioning normal body temperature

For a century, we have considered that the average temperature of a healthy person is 36.6°C. However, a new study from Stanford University calls into question this well-established norm.

A revolutionary study

This research, led by Julie Parsonnet, infectious diseases specialist, reveals that the generally accepted average temperature of 36.6°C is incorrect. Dr. Parsonnet’s team analyzed 618,306 oral temperature measurements from adult outpatients at Stanford Health Care between 2008 and 2017. Additionally, they noted time of day, age, gender, weight, height, body mass index, medications and health conditions of each patient. The results surprised the research team, as the temperatures they measured ranged between 36.2°C and 36.8°C.

Figures that defy preconceived ideas

The temperature that we thought was normal is therefore too high. “Most people, including many doctors, still think that everyone’s normal temperature is 98.6 F. In reality, what is normal depends on the person and the situation, and it is rarely that high than 98.6 F,” Dr. Parsonnet said. The study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

A drop in average temperature

The drop in average body temperature in the United States could be due to metabolic rate. The researchers noted that a population-wide decrease in inflammation may have contributed to this reduction. “Inflammation produces all kinds of proteins and cytokines that boost your metabolism and raise your temperature”added Dr. Parsonnet. Likewise, there has been a dramatic improvement in public health over the past 200 years, thanks to advances in medical treatment, better hygiene, greater availability of food, and improved living conditions.