Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Increased Water Intake on Hormonal Response, Hydration Status, and Physical Function in Low-drinking Older Adults

DrinkAge is a randomized controlled trial investigating whether increasing daily water intake can improve hydration and health-related outcomes in adults aged 60 years or older who habitually drink relatively little water. The study will include 38 participants who habitually consume 35 mL/kg/day or less of water. Participants will be randomly assigned to either increase their daily water intake to at least 45 mL/kg/day or maintain their usual water intake for 7 days. Before and after the 7-day intervention, participants will undergo assessments of hydration, blood and urine markers, hormone levels, body water distribution, body composition, muscle and physical function, mood, physical activity, and health-related quality of life. The main purpose of the study is to determine whether increasing habitual water intake changes levels of arginine vasopressin, a hormone involved in the regulation of body water balance. The study will also investigate whether increasing water intake is associated with changes in hydration status, cardiovascular and kidney-related markers, stress-related hormones, body water distribution, physical performance, mood, and quality of life. The results may help clarify whether increasing habitual water intake is a feasible strategy to improve hydration and support healthy ageing in older adults who habitually drink relatively little water.