Adequate hydration status ensures efficiency during mental and physical activities. A recent study assessed the hydration status of a Spanish group of aeronautical military men and determined the association of hydration status with body composition and anxiety.

A validated hydration questionnaire, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and an anxiety questionnaire evaluated 188 men to establish the criteria of hydration.

The results were as follows-

• 81% met the hydration criteria (urine color = well hydrated, water balance ≥ 0 ml, and total water intake/weight ≥ 35 ml/kg), while 19% did not. 
• Lower urine pH, negative water balance, and lower water intake were observed in individuals not meeting the hydration criteria. 
• They also showed higher anxiety status, weight, body mass index, body fat, urine specific gravity, and urine color. 
• Logistic binary regression model showed hydration status to be significantly related to the percentage of body fat, but not age, comorbidities, or medications.
• Total water intake/weight was positively correlated with the percentage of body water, while negatively with body fat (kg), percentage of body fat, and waist/hip ratio. 
• The linear regression model showed a significant relationship between total water intake/weight and percentage of body fat and body water content, however, no relation was found with waist/hip ratio, age, comorbidities, or medications.

These findings indicate a relationship between hydration status and body composition and also establish the foundation for future studies that relate hydration status and anxiety status. These data can be employed to improve the hydration status and body composition of military personnel.

Source: Military Med Res, 2021, 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40779-021-00327-2