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A Low-Sugar Flavored Beverage Improves Fluid Intake in Children During Exercise in the Heat
Sajjad Rezaei1, Rocio I Guerrero2, Parker Kooima2
1Hydration Science Lab, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
Insights
A low-sugar flavored beverage significantly increased fluid intake and improved hydration in children exercising in the heat compared to plain water. This suggests flavored drinks are a practical rehydration strategy for active children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Environmental Hydration
Background:
- Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for children during physical activity, especially in hot environments.
- Children's fluid intake during exercise can be suboptimal, potentially impacting performance and health.
- The palatability of beverages influences fluid consumption in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of a low-sugar flavored beverage (FB) versus plain water (W) on fluid intake in children during intermittent exercise in the heat.
- To assess the impact of the FB on hydration biomarkers, including urine volume and osmolality.
- To evaluate children's perceptual ratings of the beverages.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, crossover study involving 21 healthy children (8-10 years old) in a hot, dry environment.
- Participants completed two trials, consuming either FB or W during a 3-hour intermittent exercise protocol.
- Measurements included body weight, ad libitum fluid intake, urine samples, and perceptual ratings.
Main Results:
- Total fluid intake was 128% higher with FB (946 mL) compared to W (531 mL) (p < 0.05), with 19/21 children drinking more FB.
- Children rated the FB as more likable across all time points (p < 0.05).
- FB consumption led to higher urine volume and lower urine osmolality compared to W, indicating improved hydration status.
Conclusions:
- A flavored, low-sugar beverage effectively enhances fluid intake in children during exercise in the heat.
- The FB improved key hydration biomarkers compared to plain water.
- This beverage shows potential as a practical and palatable rehydration strategy for active children in warm conditions.
Abstract:
Objectives: This study examined the impact of a low-sugar flavored beverage on total fluid intake and hydration biomarkers during intermittent exercise in a hot environment among healthy children. Methods: Twenty-one children (11 girls, 8-10 y) completed a randomized, crossover study with two trials. Each trial involved three bouts of 10 min walking, 5 min rest, 10 min walking, and 35 min rest for a total of 3 h in a hot (29.9 ± 0.6 °C) and dry environment (26 ± 7% relative humidity). Walking intensity was 69 ± 7% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Participants consumed either plain water (W) or a low-sugar flavored beverage (FB). Body weight, fluid intake, urine samples, and perceptual ratings were collected. Results: Total ad libitum fluid intake was significantly higher with the FB (946 ± 535 mL) than with W (531 ± 267 mL; p < 0.05). This difference was 128% higher for FB compared to W, with 19 out of the 21 children ingesting more fluids in FB versus W. Children rated the FB as more likable across all time points (p < 0.05). Net fluid balance was better with FB at 60, 70, 85, 135, and 145 min (p < 0.05), though not different at the 3 h mark. Urine volume was higher with FB (727 ± 291 mL) than with W (400 ± 293 mL; p < 0.05). Urine osmolality was significantly higher in the W trial at 120 and 180 min (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A flavored, low-sugar beverage enhanced ad libitum fluid intake and improved hydration markers compared to water during exercise in the heat, supporting its potential as a practical rehydration strategy for children.
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