Gastric-emptying characteristics of two glucose polymer-electrolyte solutions

Inadequate carbohydrate and fluids can limit physical performance; optimal delivery of both should be the goal of any beverage designed especially for the athlete. In this study, the gastric-emptying characteristics of two carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions were compared with water. The 5% carbohydrate solution contained 3% Polycose glucose polymers and 2% fructose, whereas the 7% solution contained 5% Polycose glucose polymers and 2% fructose. Both solutions contained similar amounts of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride in the range suggested by the American College of Sports Medicine for rehydration solutions. Four hundred milliliters of each solution were administered to six male subjects and the amount of fluid emptied at 30 and 60 min by each subject was calculated. A non-absorbable dye, phenol red, was used to correct for gastric secretion. The gastric emptying of the 7% solution in healthy adult male subjects was not significantly different from the 5% solution or cold water. Inclusion of a polymerized form of glucose in a 7% glucose polymer-fructose solution can supply 70 g of carbohydrate per liter and also maximizes rehydration. This solution may be particularly useful in those activities where fluid and energy loss are particularly important.