Improved exercise capacity in the heat followed by coconut water consumption

Orlando Laitano,Steven J Trangmar,Gisienne Da Silva Reis,Eveline Soares Menezes,Denise De Melo Marins

doi:10.1590/s1980-65742014000100016

Orlando Laitano, Steven J Trangmar + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1980-65742014000100016

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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of prior ingestion of coconut water on fluid retention and exercise capacity in the heat as well as signs of gastrointestinal distress. Eight physically active men were recruited (age 23 ± 3 years, height 176 ± 6 cm, body mass 78 ± 7 kg) and performed three exercise capacity trials on a cycle ergometer in the heat (34 ± 1°C) after the ingestion of one of the following drinks: a) plain water (PW), b) flavored drink (FD), and c) coconut water (CW). Ingestion of CWresulted in a longer time to exhaustion (p=0.029). Likewise, participants achieved a higher heart rate in the CW session when compared to the other trials (PW 183 ± 5 bpm, FD 184 ± 8 bpm, and CW 189 ± 8 bpm, p<0.05) and a reduced urine output after the coconut water ingestion (PW 214 ± 85 ml, FD 267 ± 90 ml, and CW 161 ± 73 ml, p<0.05) indicating a higher fluid retention of coconut water in comparison to plain water and the flavored drink. These results demonstrate that previous ingestion of coconut water improves exercise capacity in the heat and provide a reduced urine output in comparison to plain water and flavored drink. Also there is no evidence for GI distress.

Highlights

The maintenance of hydration status is crucial for the athlete and may have a direct impact on physical performance (Lopez et al, 2011; Rothenberg & Panagos 2008)
There was no report of GI distress regardless of the drink ingested. This is the first study to systematically measure the effects of previous consumption of coconut water upon exercise capacity in the heat
The main findings of the present study were threefold: 1) previous ingestion of Coconut water (CW) improved exercise capacity in the heat; 2) urine output was reduced in the CW trial and 3) there were no signs of GI distress after the consumption of CW

Summary

Introduction

The maintenance of hydration status is crucial for the athlete and may have a direct impact on physical performance (Lopez et al, 2011; Rothenberg & Panagos 2008). While for some people the ingestion of water is enough to maintain hydration status, those involved in vigorous physical activity, in a hot environment, may need drinks containing carbohydrate and electrolytes (von Duvillard, Arciero, Tietjen-Smith, & Alford, 2008). It is well established that carbohydrate ingestion during exercise can increase exercise capacity and improve time trial performance (Jeukendrup, 2013). There is a lack of studies investigating the effects of the previous ingestion of CW (e.g., pre-hydration) on fluid retention and GI symptoms during exercise in the heat. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of previous consumption of CW on urine output, GI distress and cycling capacity in the heat

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