Hydration Beverages for Dehydration

Overseen By Jacquelyn Pence, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Memphis

Must not be taking: SSRIs, Corticosteroids, Statins, others

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 3-6 weeks

25 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The electrolyte test products are composed of powder and provided in individual stick packs with 5 vitamins including Vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12 and Vitamin C. The products are gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free, and provide electrolytes at concentrations well below the daily value (DV). The DV tells us how much a particular nutrient in a serving of a food product contributes to a daily diet, based on a standard 2000 calorie diet. Despite what the name suggests, this product is taken orally, not intravenously. These packets contain a small percentage of the needed total daily electrolytes but adequate amounts to replace lost electrolytes as a result of physical activity. The products will be consumed following a 90-minute bout of cycling exercise at a moderate intensity of 70-80% max heart rate, at 30-32°C (86-89°F) and 50 ± 5% relative humidity. This same exercise duration and room temperature has been used in a recent study, which also utilized the same body temperature monitoring device as proposed in the present study. The purpose of the exercise bout is to simulate what many individuals are exposed to when exercising in the heat and to moderately dehydrate subjects, as would be the case during a moderate run or cycling event in exercise-trained individuals. Subjects will report to the lab on three separate occasions to consume one of the 3 drinks (hydration multiplier, sugar-free hydration matrix, or water), in random order. The drinks will be consumed during the post-exercise period (30 minutes following the completion of exercise).

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you may need to stop taking certain medications. The trial excludes participants who have taken specific medications like SSRIs, corticosteroids, and statins within 30 days of the first test visit. It's best to discuss your current medications with the study team to see if they are allowed.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Liquid IV hydration multiplier, Liquid IV sugar-free hydration multiplier, Water, Watermelon Juice, Citrulline-rich Watermelon Juice for dehydration?

Research shows that watermelon juice, which is rich in L-citrulline, can help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery after exercise. This suggests that citrulline-rich watermelon juice might be beneficial for hydration and recovery, potentially supporting its use in treating dehydration. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is it safe to use hydration beverages for dehydration?

The studies reviewed do not provide specific safety data for the hydration beverages mentioned, but they suggest that commercially available sports drinks and other hydration options like coconut water are generally well-tolerated and safe for consumption. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does the hydration beverage treatment for dehydration differ from other treatments?

The hydration beverage treatment for dehydration is unique because it may include ingredients like isomaltulose, which has been shown to improve fluid retention compared to common sweeteners like sucrose. This could potentially enhance hydration by reducing urine production and maintaining fluid balance more effectively. ^{3 5 8 11 12}

Research Team

Richard Bloomer, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Memphis

Eligibility Criteria

Adults who regularly exercise, can complete a 90-minute cycling session in heat, and drink at least 2.0 L (women) or 2.5 L (men) of fluid the day before testing. They must not have major surgeries planned, be hypertensive, or have unstable medical conditions that could affect hydration levels.

Inclusion Criteria

You must exercise moderately for at least one hour, three days a week.

You need to be able to ride a stationary bike for 90 minutes at a moderate intensity in a warm and humid room.

For certain visits, your urine must be less concentrated than a specific number.

Exclusion Criteria

Has taken within 24 hours prior to test visit: Alcohol, Caffeine (including coffee, tea, energy drinks, etc. prohibited in the 12hrs prior to each dose of the study product), Laxatives, Diuretics, or Sports drinks (electrolyte drinks)

Received or use test product(s) in another research study in the 28 days prior to baseline visit (Familiarization, Visit/Visit 2), or longer if the previous test product is deemed by the investigator to have lasting effects that might influence the eligibility criteria or outcomes of the current study

I do not have any uncontrolled diseases or conditions.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo three 90-minute cycling bouts at 70-80% max heart rate, followed by consumption of test drinks (hydration multiplier, sugar-free hydration matrix, or water) in random order.

3-6 weeks

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for rehydration effectiveness and safety after each treatment session.

4 hours 30 minutes after each cycling session

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Liquid IV hydration multiplier
• Liquid IV sugar-free hydration multiplier
• Water

Trial Overview The trial is examining how effective two novel powdered hydration formulas are compared to water for rehydration after moderate-intensity cycling in a hot environment. Participants will try each drink on separate occasions post-exercise to see which one hydrates better.

Participant Groups

Group I: Water, Sugar-Free, Hydration Multiplier Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Subjects will undergo three 90-min cycling bouts at 70-80% maximal hear rate, 86-89 degrees Fahrenheit, and approximately 50% relative humidity spaced 1-2 weeks apart. Subjects will be provided with a different test drink after each cycling bout at an amount equivalent to150% of sweat losses and evaluated for rehydration. Subjects randomly assigned to this arm will be provided with the experimental/placebo conditions in the following order: water, Liquid IV Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier, and Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier.

Group II: Water, Hydration Multiplier, Sugar-Free Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Subjects will undergo three 90-min cycling bouts at 70-80% maximal hear rate, 86-89 degrees Fahrenheit, and approximately 50% relative humidity spaced 1-2 weeks apart. Subjects will be provided with a different test drink after each cycling bout at an amount equivalent to150% of sweat losses and evaluated for rehydration. Subjects randomly assigned to this arm will be provided with the experimental/placebo conditions in the following order: water, Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier, and Liquid IV Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier.

Group III: Sugar-Free, Water, Hydration Multiplier Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Subjects will undergo three 90-min cycling bouts at 70-80% maximal hear rate, 86-89 degrees Fahrenheit, and approximately 50% relative humidity spaced 1-2 weeks apart. Subjects will be provided with a different test drink after each cycling bout at an amount equivalent to150% of sweat losses and evaluated for rehydration. Subjects randomly assigned to this arm will be provided with the experimental/placebo conditions in the following order: Liquid IV Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier, water, and Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier.

Group IV: Sugar-Free, Hydration Multiplier, Water Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Subjects will undergo three 90-min cycling bouts at 70-80% maximal hear rate, 86-89 degrees Fahrenheit, and approximately 50% relative humidity spaced 1-2 weeks apart. Subjects will be provided with a different test drink after each cycling bout at an amount equivalent to150% of sweat losses and evaluated for rehydration. Subjects randomly assigned to this arm will be provided with the experimental/placebo conditions in the following order: Liquid IV Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier, Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier, and water.

Group V: Hydration Multiplier, Water, Sugar-Free Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Subjects will undergo three 90-min cycling bouts at 70-80% maximal hear rate, 86-89 degrees Fahrenheit, and approximately 50% relative humidity spaced 1-2 weeks apart. Subjects will be provided with a different test drink after each cycling bout at an amount equivalent to150% of sweat losses and evaluated for rehydration. Subjects randomly assigned to this arm will be provided with the experimental/placebo conditions in the following order: Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier, water, and Liquid IV Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier.

Group VI: Hydration Multiplier, Sugar-Free, Water Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Subjects will undergo three 90-min cycling bouts at 70-80% maximal hear rate, 86-89 degrees Fahrenheit, and approximately 50% relative humidity spaced 1-2 weeks apart. Subjects will be provided with a different test drink after each cycling bout at an amount equivalent to150% of sweat losses and evaluated for rehydration. Subjects randomly assigned to this arm will be provided with the experimental/placebo conditions in the following order: Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier, Liquid IV Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier, and water.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Memphis

Lead Sponsor

Trials

73

Recruited

12,000+

Findings from Research

Watermelon juice supplementation significantly increased plasma levels of l-citrulline, l-arginine, and nitrite, which are associated with improved nitric oxide bioavailability, but it also raised resting blood pressure compared to control conditions.

Despite the benefits in muscle oxygenation during moderate-intensity exercise, watermelon juice did not enhance time-to-exhaustion during severe-intensity exercise, suggesting it may not be effective for improving endurance performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Two weeks of watermelon juice supplementation improves nitric oxide bioavailability but not endurance exercise performance in humans. Bailey, SJ., Blackwell, JR., Williams, E., et al.[2018]

Watermelon and its key compound L-citrulline have been shown to reduce blood pressure in human trials, indicating potential cardiovascular benefits.

Emerging evidence suggests that watermelon intake may improve lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, with additional benefits for gut health and satiety, although more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon and L-Citrulline in Cardio-Metabolic Health: Review of the Evidence 2000-2020. Burton-Freeman, B., Freeman, M., Zhang, X., et al.[2023]

Watermelon juice, especially when unpasteurized, enhances the bioavailability of l-citrulline, which is beneficial for reducing muscle soreness in athletes.

In a study with seven athletes, both natural and enriched watermelon juices significantly lowered recovery heart rates and muscle soreness after intense exercise, suggesting their effectiveness as functional drinks for athletic recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon juice: potential functional drink for sore muscle relief in athletes. Tarazona-Díaz, MP., Alacid, F., Carrasco, M., et al.[2013]

Consuming 500 mL of Fashion watermelon juice enriched with l-citrulline significantly reduced muscle soreness perception from 24 to 72 hours after a half-marathon race, indicating its potential for recovery support.

Runners who consumed the watermelon juice showed lower plasma lactate levels and maintained jump height performance compared to those who had a placebo, suggesting enhanced exercise recovery and performance benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Biochemical, physiological, and performance response of a functional watermelon juice enriched in L-citrulline during a half-marathon race. Martínez-Sánchez, A., Ramos-Campo, DJ., Fernández-Lobato, B., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 50 adult triathletes and runners, a commercially available 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte sports beverage (CCE) was found to be the most palatable and consumed the most during exercise compared to diluted orange juice (DOJ), homemade sports beverage (HCE), and water (W).

The results suggest that beverage palatability significantly influences voluntary intake during exercise, with CCE being preferred over other options, which could impact hydration and energy replenishment strategies for athletes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Palatability and voluntary intake of sports beverages, diluted orange juice, and water during exercise. Passe, DH., Horn, M., Stofan, J., et al.[2019]

Watermelon juice (Citrullus lanatus) demonstrated significant antidiabetic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, reducing fasting blood glucose levels and improving serum lipid profiles, which suggests its potential as a natural treatment for diabetes.

The juice exhibited antioxidant properties and inhibited key enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) involved in carbohydrate metabolism, while also enhancing glucose transporter levels and anti-inflammatory activities, indicating multiple mechanisms of action in managing diabetes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antidiabetic activity of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Ajiboye, BO., Shonibare, MT., Oyinloye, BE.[2022]

In a study involving 15 resistance-trained men, watermelon juice supplementation showed a significant increase in muscle oxygenation compared to a placebo, with a mean difference of +4.1%.

However, despite this increase in oxygenation, there were no significant improvements in exercise performance, muscle force production, or blood vessel diameter when compared to the placebo group.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of watermelon supplementation on exercise performance, muscle oxygenation, and vessel diameter in resistance-trained men. Gonzalez, AM., Pinzone, AG., Lipes, SE., et al.[2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Two weeks of watermelon juice supplementation improves nitric oxide bioavailability but not endurance exercise performance in humans. [2018]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon and L-Citrulline in Cardio-Metabolic Health: Review of the Evidence 2000-2020. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon juice: potential functional drink for sore muscle relief in athletes. [2013]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of Watermelon and Carbohydrate Beverage on Exercise-Induced Alterations in Systemic Inflammation, Immune Dysfunction, and Plasma Antioxidant Capacity. [2019]

5. Sweden pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Biochemical, physiological, and performance response of a functional watermelon juice enriched in L-citrulline during a half-marathon race. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing a commercially available sports drink on exogenous carbohydrate oxidation, fluid delivery and sustained exercise performance. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Accelerated intravenous rehydration. [2017]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of hydration efficacy of carbohydrate-electrolytes beverages consisting of isomaltulose and sucrose in healthy young adults: A randomized crossover trial. [2022]

9. Thailand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Electrolytes, sugar, calories, osmolarity and pH of beverages and coconut water. [2006]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Palatability and voluntary intake of sports beverages, diluted orange juice, and water during exercise. [2019]

11. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antidiabetic activity of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. [2022]

12. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of watermelon supplementation on exercise performance, muscle oxygenation, and vessel diameter in resistance-trained men. [2022]