Efficacy of Different Oral Rehydration Solutions on the Hydration Status of Healthy Males

Dehydration lowers both physical and mental performance if it is severe enough. Performance declines are more pronounced in hot conditions or after prolonged strenuous activity such as exercise. Most individuals drink less than their sweat losses during activity, while some individuals overdrink and develop a sodium deficiency. Water and electrolyte balance must be restored as part of the recovery process after any activity that causes sweating. Plain water causes a decrease in plasma sodium concentration and osmolality, which reduces the desire to drink and increases urine production. Unless the volume ingested exceeds the loss, individuals are in net negative fluid balance throughout the recovery period due to urinary losses. When sodium and potassium are added to rehydration fluids, urine production is reduced in the hours following rehydration. Rehydration is only possible if a volume of fluid equal to or greater than the amount lost through sweat is consumed, together with adequate electrolytes. The two test products for this study, are novel hydration beverage formulas. They are an electrolyte drink mixture with five essential vitamins and three times more electrolytes than typical sports beverages. The test products create an osmotic force that permits water to be supplied to the bloodstream sooner in the digestive system by using a specific ratio of sodium, glucose, and potassium. This randomized, placebo-controlled, semi-blind, crossover study will evaluate the effects of the test products on rehydration in healthy adults.