74 Participants Needed

Hydration for Substrate Metabolism During Exercise

Recruiting at 1 trial location
MH
Overseen ByMatt Hinkley
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how hydration affects the body's ability to switch between using fats and carbohydrates for energy, both at rest and during exercise. The researchers aim to determine if hydration levels, biological sex, and menstrual cycle phases impact this energy switch, which is crucial for preventing metabolic issues like type 2 diabetes. Participants will be divided into groups to either restrict fluids or maintain hydration with water or an electrolyte drink during exercise. Suitable candidates regularly exercise, are familiar with cycling for at least an hour, and are willing to follow specific guidelines such as fasting overnight and avoiding alcohol before visits. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to foundational research that could enhance metabolic health strategies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

You may need to stop taking certain medications, like diuretics, laxatives, or weight loss drugs, as they might interfere with the study. If you're taking any medication, it's best to discuss it with the study team to see if it affects your eligibility.

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

Research shows that electrolyte drinks are usually safe for consumption. These drinks help maintain hydration by preventing excessive water loss and reducing urination frequency, thus supporting fluid levels during exercise. One study found that drinks with a mix of carbohydrates and electrolytes improved hydration during physical activity. Most users do not experience major side effects, making these drinks a safe choice for staying hydrated.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how different hydration strategies can impact energy use during exercise. Unlike simply drinking water or restricting fluids, one approach involves using an electrolyte beverage to maintain hydration and compensate for sweat loss. This method adds sodium to the mix, which might optimize fluid balance better than water alone. By comparing these hydration methods, researchers hope to better understand how they affect metabolism and performance, potentially leading to improved sports and exercise guidelines.

What evidence suggests that this trial's hydration treatments could be effective for improving metabolic flexibility?

This trial will compare different hydration strategies during exercise. Research has shown that staying hydrated, especially with electrolyte drinks, can enhance the body's energy use during exercise. Participants may receive an electrolyte beverage to maintain euhydration, which studies have found can facilitate the body's ability to switch between burning fat and carbohydrates. This ability is crucial, as it can lower the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. Some evidence also suggests that inadequate fluid intake, as in the dehydrated control trial arm, can hinder the body's ability to switch fuels during exercise, potentially leading to issues like insulin resistance. Therefore, drinking electrolyte drinks may improve energy efficiency and support overall health.35678

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals interested in how hydration affects the body's use of fats and carbs for energy during rest and exercise. Participants should be healthy, without metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. The study will also look at differences between biological sexes and menstrual cycle phases.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to speak, write, and read English
Provision of written consent to participate
Subject is willing to refrain from vigorous exercise for 24 hours (light physical activity only)
See 19 more

Exclusion Criteria

Subject has participated in a clinical trial within the past 30 days
Subject has participated in any PepsiCo trial within past 36 months
If female, subject is taking birth control medication or has long-acting reversible contraceptive
See 4 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants undergo a 3-arm intervention to evaluate the impact of hydration status on substrate preference at rest and during exercise at varying intensities

3 weeks for male subjects and 8 weeks for female subjects
7 visits for males, 13 visits for females (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Hydration Status

Trial Overview

The study tests the impact of being well-hydrated versus dehydrated on the body's choice of energy source (fat or carbs) when at rest and during light to moderate exercise. It aims to understand if poor hydration contributes to metabolic inflexibility, which can lead to insulin resistance.

How Is the Trial Designed?

3

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Euhydrated with waterExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Group II: Euhydrated with electrolyte beverageExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Group III: Dehydrated control trialExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

PepsiCo Global R&D

Lead Sponsor

Trials
99
Recruited
13,600+

Ramon Laguarta

PepsiCo Global R&D

Chief Executive Officer since 2018

MBA from ESADE Business School

Mark Kirkham

PepsiCo Global R&D

Chief Marketing Officer

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Trinity College Dublin

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Collaborator

Trials
10
Recruited
10,400+

Citations

The Effects of Sports Drinks During High-Intensity Exercise ...

This study examines the effects of sports drinks ingestion during high-intensity exercise for carbohydrate oxidation rate (CHO-O) among athletes.

Effects of Electrolyte Supplements on Body Water ...

This study aimed to compare the physiologic effects of regular water consumption to those of electrolyte drink consumption in exercise capacity and recovery ...

Full article: The effects of a sugar-free amino acid ...

The MIDS did not affect 5-km time trial performance but exhibited favorable effects on blood electrolyte and post-exercise self-reporting cramp outcomes.

The Effect of Hydration Status on Substrate Oxidation at ...

Further, low fluid intake has been shown to impair the ability to switch fuel preference during exercise. While there is some evidence that low ...

Fluid and electrolyte supplementation for exercise heat stress

We review human fluid and electrolyte balance relative to their effects on temperature regulation and exercise performance in the heat.

Healthy Behavior and Sports Drinks: A Systematic Review

Sports drinks with optimal levels of carbohydrates and electrolytes (4% to 6%) allow for maintaining adequate levels of hydration and blood ...

A randomized trial to assess the potential of different ...

This study investigated the effects of 13 different commonly consumed drinks on urine output and fluid balance when ingested in a euhydrated state.

The Hydrating Effects of Hypertonic, Isotonic and Hypotonic ...

Hypotonic carbohydrate–electrolyte drinks ingested continuously during exercise provide the greatest benefit to hydration.