Abstract
- Background
Maintaining fluid balance and electrolyte status during intense physical exertion is critical for sustaining athletic performance and accelerating post-exercise recovery. This study evaluated and compared the physiological effects of consuming regular water versus a specialized electrolyte drink (3RINK) on body water homeostasis, hormonal regulation, electrolyte balance, and recovery kinetics following exhaustive exercise.
- Methods
A crossover intervention study was conducted with 10 healthy young men who performed treadmill exercise to exhaustion under two fluid conditions: regular water and an electrolyte drink (3RINK), administered four weeks apart. Participants ingested 250 mL of fluid 30 minutes before exercise and immediately post-exercise. Body composition, water-metabolizing hormones (antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, and renin), and body electrolytes were measured at rest (R), immediately after exercise (P0), and 1 hour post-exercise (P1). Serum lactate levels were analyzed to assess metabolic fatigue and recovery efficiency.
- Results
Total body water, intracellular water, and extracellular water levels were significantly higher at P0 compared to baseline (R) following 3RINK consumption. Hematocrit levels demonstrated a significant interaction effect between fluid type and time period. Sodium levels differed significantly between beverage conditions at P0 and P1, with electrolyte drink ingestion better preserving circulating sodium status. Furthermore, a significant interaction effect was observed between fluid type and serum lactate kinetics, indicating enhanced metabolic recovery. In contrast, no significant interaction effects were found for antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, or renin levels.
- Conclusions
Consuming an electrolyte-supplemented beverage (3RINK) before and after exhaustive exercise enhances body water retention, supports exercise capacity, and reduces exercise-induced muscle fatigue compared to plain water.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/19/9093