Hydration is the body’s ability to absorb water and to maintain the correct balance of fluid and electrolytes and is essential to human health. Dehydration can adversely affect metabolism, thermoregulation, digestion, and neurological, kidney, and heart function. Aging as well as disease and medications affect water and electrolyte levels in the body and can lead to dehydration in older adults. In this review, we discuss factors contributing to dehydration in older adults, how hydration is measured, and strategies to improve hydration status. We close with a summary of the different areas of focus related to hydration research.

Background: Maintaining adequate hydration is critical to optimal health, well-being, and performance. Those who are physically active in stressful environments, such as warm and/or humid scenarios, may be at particular risk for dehydration with ensuing loss of electrolytes, leading to sluggishness and impaired physical performance. Methods: We evaluated an electrolyte and amino acid product containing L-alanine and L-glutamine, as well as select vitamins [B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), and vitamin C (ascorbic acid)]. Subjects (n = 40; four groups, n = 10) were randomized to consume either a placebo packet or one, two, or three packets daily of the test product for 4 weeks with site visits at 0, 2, and 4 weeks. We tested safety and tolerability by analyzing hematological parameters (complete blood counts), metabolic parameters (hepatic, renal, acid–base balance), urinalysis end products, thyroid status [T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)], tolerability (via questionnaire), vital signs, and dietary intake. Results: Statistical analyses displayed ten significant main effects (p < 0.05) with white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, urinary pH, thyroxine, urination frequency, calcium, calories, fat, and cholesterol. Interactions for time and group (p < 0.05) were observed for MCV, eGFR, potassium, overall tolerability, bloating, and cramping—demonstrating mild GA disturbances. Little to no change of physiological relevance was noted for any outcome variable, regardless of dosing level. Conclusions: Our results indicate the product was well-tolerated at all dosing levels and no significant adverse changes occurred in any of the test parameters compared to the placebo group, indicating relative safety of ingestion over a 4-week treatment period, at the volumes used, and outside the context of physical stress.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common mood disorder among adults. Despite the wide use of pharmacological agents by those with MDD, the evidence indicates that only a small fraction of patients benefits, and many individuals using antidepressant therapy relapse. Side effects are numerous with antidepressants, which can be a factor in patient medication compliance. Along with psychotherapy and fine-tuning lifestyle components, another emerging option in treating MDD is the use of bioactive natural products known as nutraceuticals. We present the scientific findings specific to select nutraceuticals (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, S-adenosyl-methionine, folate-based compounds, and vitamin D) either as a monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to a pharmaceutical antidepressant, for treatment of MDD. Many studies demonstrate that nutraceuticals result in a decrease in depressive symptoms with fewer side effects as traditional medications and have the potential to improve the result of antidepressants, especially in individuals experiencing resistance to medication. From a therapeutic perspective, a holistic approach incorporating psychotherapy, pharmacological therapy, and lifestyle factors (inclusive of nutraceutical use) appears most logical and could provide for enhanced treatment efficacy.

There was an error in the original publication