(P16-004-24) Hydration Status Equally Maintained With a Reduced Sugar Beverage vs. Plain Water During Repeated-Bout Exercise

Objectives: A preference to remove undue sugar from children’s diets in line with accumulating health concerns is widely recognized. While forms of sugar are often inherent to oral rehydration solutions, evidence demonstrates that electrolytes such as sodium are predominant contributors to rehydration efficacy. We measured the impact of consuming a low-sugar flavored water beverage compared to an equal amount of plain water during repeated-bout exercise on selected rehydration markers in children.

Methods: Healthy boys (n=13; 8±1y; BMI=15.8±1.1) and girls (n=7; 9±1y; BMI=16.6±2.2) completed two trials in a randomized, counter-balanced, crossover fashion. Each trial included three 1-hour sessions each comprising repeated treadmill walking (70% HRmax; 10min X 2; 5min rest in between) followed by rest (35min) in 27-29° C and 50% RH. Participants were provided with an individualized volume of either plain water or flavored water (2.88 Kcal, 0.57g sugar, 0.03g stevia, 7.9mg sodium per 100ml) equating to 100% of sweat losses at the end of each 1-hour session. Prior to each of the two trials, participants ate a standardized meal and at least 237ml of plain for dinner and breakfast. Fifteen minutes following breakfast, urine volume, urine osmolality, body mass, bioelectrical impedance (FM, FFM, TBW, ECF, ICF), and perceptions (thirst, mouth dryness, stomach fullness, taste pleasantness) were measured and again at the end of each trial session. Mixed-effects analysis with Sidak’s multiple comparisons tests determined significance between trials.

Results: Participants arrived equally hydrated for both trials (p >0.05). A significant (p < 0.05) main effect for time in most but not all (ECF (%) and ICF (L&%)) variables indicated expected fluid shifts in response to exercise and warm heat exposure. While no differences in the patterns of hydration variables were observed between trials (p >0.05), the flavored water beverage trended towards significantly favorable taste pleasantness (p=0.08) and less stomach fullness (p=0.08).

Conclusions: The low-sugar flavored water beverage and plain water behaved similarly in their respective ability to maintain body water management and hydration status during repeated-bout, moderate exercise in warm heat, whereas the flavored water beverage may be perceptually preferable.

Funding Sources: Kraft Heinz Co.