Electrolyte Drinks for Dehydration

(LIV-D2O Trial)

Overseen By Stavros Kavouras, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Arizona State University

Must not be taking: Thyroid medication

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular, Renal, Hepatic, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 4 hours

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests different drinks to determine which one best rehydrates after exercise. Participants will try one of three options: plain water, a drink with sugar and electrolytes (such as Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier), or a low-sugar electrolyte drink (such as Liquid IV Sugar Free). The goal is to identify which drink better maintains hydration by comparing effects like thirst and urine output. Ideal candidates for this trial exercise at least twice a week and have maintained a stable weight recently. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to valuable research on hydration strategies for active individuals.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are on thyroid medication.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that electrolyte drinks like Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier and its Sugar-Free version are generally safe for most people. These drinks hydrate more effectively than water by using a mix of carbohydrates and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.

The Hydration Multiplier contains three times the electrolytes of leading sports drinks, promoting quick hydration. However, it includes added sugars, so individuals monitoring their sugar intake should take note.

The Sugar-Free version offers a similar electrolyte boost without added sugars. Both versions are vegan and dairy-free, suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Side effects are rare but may include minor stomach discomfort, especially with excessive consumption. Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable if there are any uncertainties, particularly for those with health concerns.

Overall, many tolerate these electrolyte drinks well, and they can effectively aid hydration after exercise. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about the Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier and Liquid IV Sugar Free because they offer a potentially more effective way to combat dehydration compared to standard options like sports drinks or water. These solutions are packed with a precise combination of carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium, which can enhance water absorption and retention in the body. The Carbohydrate Electrolyte solution provides a balance of sugars and electrolytes, while the Low Sugar electrolyte solution offers a similar benefit with fewer carbohydrates, catering to those who are mindful of sugar intake. This targeted rehydration approach could lead to faster recovery from dehydration, making these treatments stand out.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for dehydration?

This trial will compare different electrolyte drinks for rehydration after exercise. Participants may receive the Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier, rich in electrolytes, which are important minerals that balance the body's fluid levels. Research indicates that these drinks help the body retain fluids more effectively than water alone. For instance, an oral rehydration solution has retained 75% of fluids, compared to 57% with plain water. Another option in this trial is the Low Sugar Electrolyte Solution, which, despite having less sugar, still provides essential sodium and potassium for rehydration. Both electrolyte solutions in this trial can hydrate more effectively than water by promoting better fluid intake and reducing urination frequency. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-60 who exercise at least twice a week and have maintained a stable weight (less than 5 pounds change) over the last two months. It's not suitable for those with night shift work, on thyroid meds, past bariatric surgery, or with heart, kidney, liver diseases. Also excluded are those in another study or weighing over 110 pounds.

Inclusion Criteria

Training at least 2 times per week

Stable weight for the last 2 months (fluctuation less than 5 pounds)

Exclusion Criteria

I have a heart condition.

Night shifting work

I have had weight loss surgery.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo rehydration with either a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution or water following exercise-induced dehydration

4 hours

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for rehydration effectiveness and physiological responses

4 hours

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier
• Liquid IV Sugar Free

Trial Overview The study tests how well different drinks rehydrate after exercise-induced dehydration: plain water versus Liquid IV Sugar Free and Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier—both containing electrolytes and glucose which may enhance fluid intake and reduce urine output.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Low Sugar electrolyte solution Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

10 grams of carbohydrate, 1060 milligrams of sodium, and 760 milligrams of potassium per liter. Sugar free Liquid IV

Group II: Carbohydrate Electrolyte solution Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Drink with 22 grams of carbohydrate, 1020 milligrams of sodium, and 760 milligrams of potassium per liter. Hydration multiplier liquid IV

Group III: Water Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Rehydration with low mineral content bottle water

Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier is already approved in European Union, United States, United Kingdom for the following indications:

Approved in European Union as Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) for:

• Dehydration due to diarrhea
• Dehydration due to vomiting
• Exercise-induced dehydration

Approved in United States as Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) for:

• Mild to moderate dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Exercise-induced dehydration

Approved in United Kingdom as Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) for:

• Dehydration due to diarrhea
• Dehydration due to vomiting

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Arizona State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

311

Recruited

109,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 26 healthy adults, an amino acid-based oral rehydration therapy (ORT) beverage showed significantly better fluid retention (75% vs 57%) and improved restoration of interstitial fluid volume compared to a glucose-based sports drink after hypertonic dehydration.

During isotonic dehydration, the amino acid beverage also outperformed the sports drink in electrolyte replacement and preservation of interstitial fluid volume, indicating its potential as a more effective rehydration option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Glucose or Amino Acid-Based Commercial Beverages in Meeting Oral Rehydration Therapy Goals After Acute Hypertonic and Isotonic Dehydration. Cheuvront, SN., Kenefick, RW., Charkoudian, N., et al.[2019]

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) effectively prevents and treats dehydration by providing a balanced mix of electrolytes, significantly reducing mortality rates in patients with cholera and non-cholera watery diarrhea.

ORT can be safely administered at home, highlighting the importance of health authorities in ensuring the availability of oral rehydration salts (ORS) and training health workers to prepare these solutions for emergency situations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Role of oral rehydration therapy in controlling epidemic of cholera and watery diarrhoea. Sarkar, K.[2004]

Using low-sodium oral rehydration solutions (ORS) for treating cholera can lead to negative sodium balance and potentially dangerous complications like hyponatremia and seizures, especially in children.

The review recommends maintaining separate ORS formulations for cholera and non-cholera acute watery diarrheas to ensure safe and effective treatment, highlighting the importance of sodium levels in rehydration therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Issues and Controversies in the Evolution of Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT). Nalin, D.[2022]

In a study with 20 healthy participants, the amino acid-based sugar-free oral rehydration solution (AA-ORS) was found to be more effective than both glucose-based (G-ORS) and sugar-free (Z-ORS) solutions in restoring fluid balance after exercise-induced dehydration.

AA-ORS not only improved overall fluid balance but also achieved a positive sodium and chloride balance post-exercise, indicating it may be a superior option for rehydration compared to the other solutions tested.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Post-exercise rehydration: Comparing the efficacy of three commercial oral rehydration solutions. Peden, DL., Funnell, MP., Reynolds, KM., et al.[2023]

A new oral rehydration solution (ORS) called reformulated Dioralyte (RD) was tested in a double-blind trial with 32 children suffering from acute gastroenteritis, showing no adverse effects from either RD or the standard Dioralyte (SD).

Both RD and SD had similar efficacy in terms of fluid intake, weight change, and stool frequency, indicating that RD, with its lower osmolality, is as effective as the standard solution for rehydration in children.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical experience with a hypotonic oral rehydration solution for treatment of pediatric gastroenteritis in the United Kingdom. Elliott, EJ., Walker-Smith, JA., Farthing, MJ., et al.[2016]

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) using glucose-electrolyte solutions is a highly effective treatment for acute diarrheal diseases, recognized as one of the major therapeutic advancements of the century.

The World Health Organization's recommended oral rehydration solution (ORS) is widely used and has potential applications beyond diarrhea, including in patients with short bowel syndrome and post-surgical recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Oral rehydration therapy. Farthing, MJ.[2019]

For children with mild-to-moderate dehydration due to diarrhea, oral rehydration therapy (ORT) using solutions with 45-75 mEq/l of sodium is recommended, while those with severe dehydration should receive intravenous fluids (60-100 ml/kg of 0.9% saline) to quickly restore circulation.

The study emphasizes the importance of tailoring rehydration solutions based on the type of dehydration, with specific recommendations for isonatremic, hyponatremic, and hypernatremic dehydration to ensure safe and effective treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Simplified treatment strategies to fluid therapy in diarrhea. Assadi, F., Copelovitch, L.[2018]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7765193/

Efficacy of Ingesting an Oral Rehydration Solution after ... This study investigated the efficacy of ingesting an oral rehydration solution (DD) that has a high electrolyte concentration after exercise on fluid balance ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9464461/

Understanding the use of oral rehydration therapy The study concluded that ORT is likely to more effective than small volume of lactated Ringer's solution (IV) or subcutaneous therapy. 7 ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-dehydration-4-2024-5379a

Electrolyte Drinks for Dehydration · Info for Participants In a study involving 26 healthy adults, an amino acid-based oral rehydration therapy (ORT) beverage showed significantly better fluid retention (75% vs 57%) ...

4. wellnesspulse.com wellnesspulse.com/nutrition/liquid-iv-reveiw/

Liquid I.V. and the Science of Hydration​ The main selling point of Liquid I.V. is that it contains three times more electrolytes than the leading sports drink and is based on oral ...

5. healthline.com healthline.com/nutrition/liquid-iv-reviews

Liquid I.V. Review: A Dietitian's Experience and Opinion It's helpful for rehydration, especially during exercise or periods of excessive fluid losses. Cons. Some may find it too expensive. The Pina ...

6. liquid-iv.com liquid-iv.com/pages/faq

FAQs About our Brand & Products Liquid I.V. uses maltodextrin in its product, is this ingredient safe for me to consume? Proper Hydration. What causes dehydration?

7. amazon.com amazon.com/Liquid-I-V-Multiplier-Electrolyte-Supplement/dp/B01IT9NLHW

Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier - Lemon Lime | Electrolyte ... EXTRAORDINARY HYDRATION: Hydration Multiplier has 3x the electrolytes of the leading sports drink, and 8 vitamins and nutrients.

8. liquid-iv.com liquid-iv.com/products/lemon-lime-hydration-multiplier

Lemon Lime Hydration Multiplier® It's 3x the electrolytes of the leading sports drink and made for refreshing, on-the-go hydration. Vegan. Dairy Free.

9. liquid-iv.com liquid-iv.com/

Liquid I.V. Liquid I.V. is a great-tasting electrolyte drink mix powered by Cellular Transport Technology (CTT)®️ ️to hydrate faster and more efficiently than water...

10. letsliveitup.com letsliveitup.com/blogs/supergreens/liquid-iv-review?srsltid=AfmBOopYUF1MLkkPRy5a3QlYD3uJFAyeCJPwT8SZJ4MEGqEG23HU5vc7

Liquid I.V. Review by a Dietitian (2025): Does It Really Work? “With a significant amount of added sugars and a high sodium content, Liquid I.V. gives you more than you bargained for. Unless you're regularly ...