Post-exercise Rehydration: A Randomised Cross-over Trial Comparing a 100% Fruit Beverage, a Glucose-based Sports Drink, and Water

Comparing The Rehydration Properties Of Two Sports / Hydration Drinks And Water, Following Exercise In The Heat

It is well-established that exercise has many health benefits. During exercise in temperate/hot conditions, sweating is necessary to dissipate heat. This sweating typically results in dehydration, which may impair physical and mental performance. Therefore, following exercise, effective rehydration is important to restore an optimal hydration state and therefore physical and mental performance. If an individual only rehydrates with water, though, it is unlikely that they will fully rehydrate as plain water is not very well-retained by the body, due to its lack of carbohydrate and electrolytes. For this reason, sports/ hydration drinks are likely to aid in better rehydration, due to their carbohydrate and electrolyte content. This project aims to compare the rehydration effectiveness and glucose responses to two sports / hydration drinks and water (with different carbohydrate and electrolyte contents).

Inclusion Criteria:

- Training/performing > 1 hrs a week

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoker.
• Pregnant, attempting to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Diabetic.
• You have adverse events/reactions in response to fingertip capillary blood sampling which includes, but is not limited to; fainting and/or serious bruising.
• History of heat-related illness.
• History of heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, embolism, or other pulmonary heart disease.
• Previously diagnosed with COPD, emphysema, bronchitis or similar respiratory illness.
• Have a history of severe allergic reactions.
• History of kidney issues.
• Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
• Any other medical conditions / medications that may interfere with an individuals ability to safely perform exercise in the heat and experience dehydration.
• Allergies/intolerances to any of the following ingredients: Glucose Syrup, Acid (Citric Acid), Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrate), Extract of Black Carrot, Watermelon, pomegranate, lime, Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Dimethyl Dicarbonate), Stabilisers (Acacia Gum), Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K), Antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid), Flavourings, Niacin (Vitamin B3).
• Elite athlete subject to doping tests