Whey beverage improves hydrating capacity of the soccer players

Abstract

The hydration process is critical in soccer players. The hydrating capacity, energy recovery, and electrolyte excretion in urine were determined by the use of a whey beverage as a hydration medium for high-performance athletes compared to the effects of purified water and a sport beverage. The study was carried out through an approved research protocol, which contemplates the determination of hydrating capacity by monitoring body weight during a period of exercise and a subsequent hydration period. Energy recovery was determined by monitoring blood glucose levels and electrolyte excretion was performed by quantifying the concentration of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+ ), calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+ ) in urine samples provided by the participants during the research protocol. It was concluded that the whey beverage has an appropriate capacity for hydration and energy recovery, while with regard to minerals it was observed that it effectively regulates the excretion of Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ .