In 2018, ESPEN (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) published guidelines on nutrition and hydration in geriatrics. These guidelines state that women should drink at least 1.6 liters of water per day and men 2.0 liters per day. However, this recommendation is very rarely, if ever, followed, leading to episodes of dehydration of varying severity.
Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a stable physiological balance. It allows for the proper functioning of organs responsible for waste elimination, such as the kidneys.
The symptoms of dehydration are well known: dry mouth, headaches, and decreased energy or muscle fatigue. In some cases, simply drinking enough water more regularly will be sufficient to remedy these symptoms. It is estimated that three out of four people experience one or more of these dehydration symptoms daily without necessarily associating them with dehydration.
It is therefore essential to be vigilant in all situations that can lead to a significant need for hydration, such as periods of intense heat, heat waves, illnesses causing diarrhea or vomiting, or simply prolonged neglect of drinking water. It is important to remember that it is recommended to drink an average of 2 liters of water per day, and even more in the situations mentioned above.
Why are seniors more prone to dehydration than other adults?
In older individuals, the risk of dehydration is greater than in younger adults for a multitude of reasons:
Firstly, the symptoms (or signals) become less and less noticeable, for example, the sensation of thirst is diminished, however, the physiological need is very real.
Secondly, water storage capacity decreases with age. Indeed, with age, both lean mass and muscle mass decrease, resulting in a reduction of overall body water and thus a lower amount of available water. This can be compounded by increased water loss due to physiological kidney dysfunction or the use of diuretic medications.
All of these factors, physiological and external, point to the same conclusion; the risk of dehydration increases with age.
Impaired kidney function in concentrating and diluting urine can be caused by insufficient blood supply or a decrease in nephron volume. This leads to a reduction in glomerular filtration. As a result, the kidneys require more water to eliminate the same amount of toxins. If the amount of water absorbed is insufficient, toxins accumulate in the body.
Elderly people often find themselves facing a real mismatch between intake and needs, leading to dehydration which can prove morbid or fatal in extreme cases.
It is for all these reasons that the hydration of seniors must be monitored, supported, and improved.
Hydratis 50+ is the first rehydration solution suitable for people aged 50 to 99+
Rehydration solutions increase the osmolarity of the fluid, and therefore the amount of active particles within it. These molecules are said to be osmotically active when they cause water to move; in this case, this movement facilitates intestinal absorption.
The Hydratis 50+ range is composed of glucose and several electrolytes (Sodium, Carbohydrates, Chloride, Potassium, Magnesium and Citrate), which allow better reabsorption of water and the supply of essential electrolytes for the well-being of patients.
- Sodium and Carbohydrates : Increases osmolarity to improve the body's absorption of fluids
- Potassium : Contributes to muscle recovery and the proper functioning of the nervous system.
- Magnesium : Contributes to reducing fatigue, electrolyte balance and proper muscle recovery.
- Chloride : Contributes to normal digestion through the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
The scientific principle of rehydration solutions
Hydratis is an oral rehydration solution (ORS) whose main role is the rehydration of elderly people by promoting the intake and proper distribution of water in the body.
Indeed, the use of glucose and salt in oral rehydration solutions ensures the most rapid absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestine. The effectiveness of ORS is based on glucose's ability to stimulate the absorption of sodium and fluids in the small intestine through a mechanism that operates independently of cyclic AMP.
Electrolyte absorption occurs in the villous cells, while secretion takes place in the crypt cells. Increased intracellular cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) inhibits the absorption of NaCl (sodium chloride) in the villous cells and stimulates the active secretion of Cl₂ (chlorine) and/or HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate) in the crypt cells.
In contrast, glucose-stimulated sodium (Na) uptake in villous cells is not affected by increases in intracellular cAMP. Thus, glucose enhances Na and fluid uptake despite the continued stimulation of Cl secretion and the inhibition of NaCl uptake.
It is known that a low electrolyte level in a dehydrated elderly person requires the intake of isotonic fluids (fluids containing concentrations of sodium, potassium and glucose similar to those of the body) or hypotonic fluids (fluids containing concentrations of sodium, potassium and glucose lower than those of the body).
For elderly people who are vulnerable to certain electrolyte abnormalities, particularly in sodium, potassium and magnesium, linked to age-related kidney changes, it is beneficial to provide sufficient magnesium, in addition to sodium and potassium, to compensate for potential kidney losses.
To address these electrolyte imbalances, Hydratis 50+ contains magnesium in citrate form, which is ideal due to its high solubility in water, thus improving the product's dissolution in the beverage. Furthermore, magnesium citrate contains a lower amount of magnesium (approximately 17%), which is ideal for reducing the risk of hypomagnesemia in older adults.
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can be used to rehydrate elderly individuals rather than simply with water. A standardized formulation has been developed to produce a rehydration solution with reduced osmolarity (achieved by decreasing the concentrations of glucose and sodium chloride) to eliminate any potential adverse effects of the solution's hypotonicity on fluid absorption. According to the WHO, these oral rehydration salt solutions are the only justifiable and appropriate treatment for adults.
The composition of Hydratis 50+ complies with WHO recommendations (WHO/UNICEF, 2006) and is tailored to the electrolyte needs of the elderly. It should be noted that the composition of Hydratis 50+ also complies with regulations (Regulations 609/2013, 2016/128, and 2016/127). Dosage variations between different products may occur depending on the flavoring used.
For dehydration or prevention, regardless of the flavor, the recommended dosage, as described on the packaging, is to dissolve the contents of one Hydratis 50+ sachet in 250 mL of low-mineral water in a glass of clean water and consume the solution in small sips, respecting the quantities prescribed by your doctor. It is recommended to drink up to 8 sachets per day with 2 liters of water.
