Effects of electrolyte and nutrient solutions on performance and metabolic balance.

Three commercial sport drinks, solutions of their individual minerals and glucose, and water were used to maintain water balances in six men during 4 h of physical activity in a 35 degrees C room. Each solution was provided for 5 consecutive days to each man during the 12-wk study. Complete mineral and water balances (including sweat losses) were conducted. Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were measured during two levels of sub-maximal and during a maximal treadmill performance test. All of the solutions, including water, were equally effective in maintaining water and mineral balances, and moderate physical performance while the men were consuming an adequate all liquid diet. All of the solutions containing carbohydrates increased respiratory exchange ratios. These increases were significant during maximal performance for only two of the commercial products. These two products also produced the higher values for most of the performance evaluations, although they were not generally significantly different from values obtained while other solutions or water were consumed. The major benefit of these commercial sport drinks are their prevention of hypohydration due to an increase in voluntary fluid intakes.