Water intakes from food, beverage, and drinking water of US older adults

Abstract

Age‐related changes in behavior and health status predispose all older adults to dehydration. If left unchecked dehydration can cause changes in body chemistry, kidney failure, and death. Despite the dire consequences of improper hydration, very little attention has been devoted to the measurement of their total daily water intake. Our objective was to examine the water intake from beverage and food sources of independent, community‐living older adults. Data for 2,015 older adults (≥ 65 y) from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were used for this study. Dietary data were collected through a 24‐h dietary recall method and after the recall, respondents were asked to estimate their intake of plain drinking water in the previous 24‐h period. Linear regression models controlling for age, income, sex, education and marital status were used to estimate total water intake from drinking water, beverages and food. Adjusted total water intakes were 2,877, 2557, and 2304 g/d for those aged 65–74 y, 75–84 y, and over 85 y respectively. On average food sources contributed 23, 24, and 26% of the total water intake for those same age groups. Presently no single measure completely discriminates between dehydrated and non‐dehydrated individuals. This study provides important data regarding the fluid intake and thus hydration status of older adults. Partially funded by Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (ALA013‐020).