King coconut water, tender coconut water, Gatorade and ORS: which rehydrates athletes best?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: A randomized controlled, crossover trial was conducted to assess the rehydrating ability of exclusive consumption of king coconut water (KC) tender coconut water (TCW), Gatorade (G) and ORS as rehydration fluid. METHOD: Purposively selected 15 (M=13, F=2) middle distance runners with a mean age of 26.46 (+3.95) years with a BMI of 18.77(+1.53) were recruited from the National pool. Each fluid was given ad libitum during one hour training session and two hours of recovery on four different days with a wash out period >72 hours. Total fluid consumption and urine out¬put over three hours was assessed. Following parameters were assessed at baseline and two hours post-recovery: venous blood gas (VBG) and urine full report. A self-administered questionnaire assessed perception on each fluid. Differences between VBG findings (2 hours post recovery - baseline) were analyzed to compare different fluids using one-way AN OVA. RESULTS: KC was the most consumed fluid (mean 3325+769.77ml; p=0.016). Urine output was highest with Gatorade (mean365.77+246.49ml; p=0.16). There were significant differences in blood phi haematocrit (Hct), Sodium, Potassium Glucose, Lactate, BEecf, and urine pH, between baseline and post recovery among the four fluids. ORS at 2 hours post recovery had the largest decrease in Lactate (~0.353mmol/L) and Hct (-2.266) and highest increase in Sodium 2.46mmol/L and glucose 8.8mmol/L from baseline. Compared to other groups, the decrease in urine pH was significantly greater in Gatorade (-0.346; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Although athletes' preference for rehydration was KC, biochemical markers indicate that ORS is the most suitable fluid for rehydration of athletes compared to the other three.