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A Compositional Analysis of a Common Acetic Acid Solution With Practical Implications for Ingestion.
R Barry Dale1, Deidre Leaver-Dunn, Phillip Bishop
1The University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL.
Journal of Athletic Training
|August 26, 2003
Summary
Pickle juice (PJ) contains high sodium levels, exceeding athletic guidelines. Athletes should dilute PJ and follow with hypotonic or isotonic fluids to manage sodium intake effectively.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Anecdotal evidence suggests pickle juice (PJ) aids exercise-associated muscle cramps.
- Certified athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals commonly use PJ.
- Current National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) guidelines exist for fluid replacement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the composition of two common types of pickle juice (PJ).
- To evaluate the implications of PJ ingestion based on NATA fluid-replacement guidelines.
- To provide guidance for athletic trainers on diluting PJ.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical laboratory analysis of two PJ samples.
- Compositional analyses performed in triplicate.
- Comparison of results using a 1-way analysis of variance.
Main Results:
- PJ samples exhibited high osmolality and sodium concentrations.
- One PJ type had 220 mg sodium, 4% carbohydrate, and 713 mOsm/kg H2O.
- The other PJ type had 390 mg sodium, 3% carbohydrate, and 1446 mOsm/kg H2O.
- Significant differences (P <.05) were found in osmolality, calcium, and sodium between the two PJ types.
Conclusions:
- Both analyzed PJ types exceeded NATA sodium concentration guidelines.
- Dilution of PJ with hypotonic or isotonic fluids is recommended.
- Substantial fluid volumes may be necessary for proper PJ dilution to meet guidelines.