Influence of alcohol consumption on hydration status in healthy adults

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Osmolality and water intake are considered key biomarkers of the hydration status, which is necessary for an adequate cellular homeostasis and life. However, alcohol intake has shown to affect the hydration status via its diuretic effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of alcohol consumption on the hydration status of healthy men and women. METHODOLOGY: This study was performed in 123 adults (25-45 y., 69% women). Blood samples were collected to analyze osmolality levels, and a 72 h-recall was used to asses total water intake (TWI)(drinking water, liquids and solid food), liquids intake (soft drinks, juices, milk, beer, wine and spirits) and alcohol intake (gr). U-Man Whitney test was performed to analyse differences between sexes and correlations were performed with the Spearman test adjusted by sex. RESULTS: Men consumed insufficient TWI (2190.2 mL) as EFSA recommendations claim (for men=2,5 L/day), but without statistics differences with women (2213.9 mL). Men showed statistically higher levels of osmolality and liquids intake than women (P<0.05), in particular from beer and spirits consumption, and consequently, the general intake of alcoholic beverages was higher (P<0.05). Thus, osmolality levels correlated positively with alcohol and beer (P<0.05) and with a tendency with alcoholic beverages (P=0.065), which was not observed in women. CONCLUSION: Since men showed lower water intake and higher levels of osmolality, which are related to alcohol intake, a better hydration status might be achieved with a shift in the pattern of liquids by favouring drinking water.