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  • Original Article
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Body composition, energy expenditure and physical activity

24-h Void number as an indicator of hydration status

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 69, pages 638–641 (2015)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

Few user-friendly hydration assessment techniques exist for the general population to use on a daily basis. The present study evaluated void number over 24 h as a potential hydration assessment tool.

Subjects/Methods:

Male and female subjects collected urine for 24 h while adequately hydrated (n=44; 22±4 years, 168±16 cm, 73±15 kg) or fluid restricted (n=43; 22±3 years, 175±10 cm, 81±24 kg). As a control, participants were asked to void when feeling the ‘first urge to void’ on a commonly used urge scale and noted the volume of each void. For each sample, 24-h urine volume, osmolality (UOSM), specific gravity (USG) and color were measured in the laboratory.

Results:

As designed, the level of urge upon voiding was consistent throughout the study (2±0; ‘first urge to void’). Samples were classified by USG as either euhydrated (USG<1.020) or hypohydrated (USG⩾1.020). Grouping by UOSM did not change results. Euhydrated versus hypohydrated individuals had greater 24-h urine volume (1933±864 versus 967±306 ml, respectively) and lower urine color (2±1 versus 5±1), USG (1.012±0.004 versus 1.025±0.004) and UOSM (457±180 versus 874±175 mOsm/kg H2O; all P<0.001). Euhydrated individuals voided more than hypohydrated individuals over the 24-h period (5±2 versus 3±1 voids; P<0.001). Additionally, void number inversely correlated with hydration status as identified by USG (r=−0.50; P<0.05) and UOSM (r=−0.56; P<0.05).

Conclusions:

In conclusion, over 24 h, individuals with a higher void number were euhydrated (that is, had less concentrated hydration biomarkers) than those with a lower void number. Based on these data, void number might be utilized as a simple and feasible hydration assessment for the general public, as it utilizes no equipment or technical expertise.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the participants for volunteering and Erin Dougherty for help with data collection. This study was funded by a University of Arkansas Honors College Research Grant, the College of Education and Health Professions and the Office of Research and Economic Development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health, Human Performance Laboratory, Human Performance, and Recreation, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA

    J M Burchfield, M S Ganio, S A Kavouras, J D Adams, M A Gonzalez, C B Ridings, N E Moyen & M A Tucker

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  1. J M Burchfield
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  2. M S Ganio
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  3. S A Kavouras
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  4. J D Adams
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  5. M A Gonzalez
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  7. N E Moyen
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  8. M A Tucker
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Correspondence to M S Ganio.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Author contributions

MSG, JMB and SAK contributed to study design; JMB, JDA, MAG, CBR and MAT helped with data collection; JMB, MSG and NEM performed data analysis; all the authors were involved in writing and editing manuscript.

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Burchfield, J., Ganio, M., Kavouras, S. et al. 24-h Void number as an indicator of hydration status. Eur J Clin Nutr 69, 638–641 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2014.278

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