FRANCISCO, A.L.M. de    MARTINEZ CASTELAO, A.. Bahia 2008 study: hydration barometer in the Spanish population. []. , 30, 2, pp.220-226. ISSN 1989-2284.

Background: Vital functions require a balance between the loss and ingestion of liquids. There are no studies about hydration on Spanish population. Methods: 6.508 questionnaires were applied to a randomly selected Spanish population, together with a 24-hour recall in order to measure liquid consumption and variables related to it. Results: the average consumption of liquids was 2.089,5 ± 771,4 and 6,05 drinking times/day. 3.423 persons (52,6% of the studied people, CI95% 51,3%-53,8% ) were well-hydrated when considering their individual intake. The frequency and volume of drinking decreased with age. 61% (CI95% 58.64%-64,01%) of the population older than 65 years were badly hydrated. The greatest bottled water consumption corresponded to the youngest population (18-29 years). The greater the physical activity, the greater the beverages consumption (1.987,6±705,5 ml vs 2.345,8±928,1 ml, low vs. intense physical activity, respectively). With regard to the intake frequency and volume, mineral and tap water were the most consumed. Those who drank mineral water exceeded the 2 l-recommendation in order to maintain a good hydration status. 59,8%(CI95% 57,83%-61,76%) of those who preferred mineral water drank more than 2 l/day and drank more times/day and in greater amounts. There was a greater frequency and amount of beverage consumption when people lived in the same house, and particularly more in houses where children were living (2.197, 4±767,8 ml vs 2.055,7±769,86 ml y 6,4±2.2 times ± 5,9±1,9 times, in homes with or without children, respectively). Bottled water was preferred at home (79,07%) and at work (15,61%). Conclusions: Only half of the Spanish population is well hydrated. Sixty-one percent of people over the age of 65 years were poorly hydrated In consequence it is imperative to promote its consumption.

: hydration; water consumption; mineral water; age; physical activity; Spanish population.

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