Post-Exercise Rehydration: Effect of Consumption of Beer with Varying Alcohol Content on Fluid Balance after Mild Dehydration

Abstract

PurposeThe effects of moderate beer consumption after physical activity on rehydration and fluid balance are not completely clear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of beer consumption, with varying alcohol content, on fluid balance after exercise-induced dehydration.MethodsEleven healthy males were included in this cross over study (age 24.5 ± 4.7 years, body weight 75.4 ± 3.3 kg, VO2max 58.3 ± 6.4 mL kg min−1). Subjects exercised on a cycle ergometer for 45 min at 60% of their maximal power output (Wmax) until mild dehydration (1% body mass loss). Thereafter, in random order, one of five experimental beverages was consumed, in an amount equal to 100% of their sweat loss: non-alcoholic beer (0.0%), low-alcohol beer (2.0%), full-strength beer (5.0%), an isotonic sports drink, and water. Fluid balance was assessed up till 5 h after rehydration.ResultsAfter 1 h, urine production was significantly higher for 5% beer compared to the isotonic sports drink (299 ± 143 vs. 105 ± 67 mL; p < 0.01). At the end of the 5-h observation period, net fluid balance (NFB) was negative for all conditions (p = 0.681), with the poorest fluid retention percentage for 5% beer (21% fluid retention) and the best percentage for the isotonic sports drink (42%). Non-alcoholic beer, low-alcoholic beer, and water resulted in fluid retention of 36, 36, and 34%, respectively (p = 0.460).ConclusionThere was no difference in NFB between the different beverages. Only a short-lived difference between full-strength beer and the isotonic sports drink in urine output and NFB was observed after mild exercise-induced dehydration. Fluid replacement – either in the form of non-alcoholic beer, low-alcoholic beer, full-strength beer, water, or an isotonic sports drink of 100% of body mass loss was not sufficient to achieve full rehydration. The combination of a moderate amount of beer, with varying alcohol content, enough water or electrolyte- and carbohydrate beverages, and salty foods might improve rehydration, but more research is needed.

The Diuretic Action of Weak and Strong Alcoholic Beverages in Elderly Men: A Randomized Diet-Controlled Crossover Trial

“…Furthermore, differences in the cumulative urine output between AW and NAW, and between S and W, were present from 2 h onwards. Previous studies support these results, showing that differences in the urine output appear only 1–2 h after beverage intake [ 14 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. However, the differences in the cumulative urine output between AW and NAW, and between S and W, were not significant at 24 h. This is in line with a previous study that demonstrated that ethanol (1.2 g/kg) caused a diuretic effect during the first 3 h, but an antidiuretic effect 6 h after intake [ 23 ].…”

“…Also, studies on other dehydrating beverages, such as caffeinated beverages, show that diuretic effects are only short-term [ 24 , 25 ]. In addition, the differences in the urine output between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages after exercise disappear from 4 h onwards [ 17 , 22 ]. Based on this, the relevance of the diuretic effect of moderate alcohol consumption in the real-life situation under normal circumstances, can be questioned.…”

“…The current hypothesis on the diuretic effect of alcohol states that ethanol increases the urine output by suppressing arginine vasopressin release of the posterior pituitary gland independently of blood osmolality [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. However, studies measuring arginine vasopressin levels after alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages did not find differences in arginine vasopressin levels [ 17 , 19 ], suggesting that other mechanisms are involved [ 22 ].…”

Beer or Ethanol Effects on the Body Composition Response to High-Intensity Interval Training. The BEER-HIIT Study

“…Beer is a widely consumed beverage in western countries and the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world [12]. It is consumed by many healthy adults to quench thirst in preference to other beverages particularly after a hard day’s work, as part of social relationships, or after practicing exercise [13,14]. This is particularly the case in a recreational context, where having a beer after a match is considered part of the social aspect of many sport activities [15,16,17].…”

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Adherence to the Healthy Food Pyramid in Spanish Adults

“…(3) Wine and beers: one multiple-choice question including frequency of low alcohol beverages consumption. Non-alcoholic beers were considered as water intake since they provide hydration [ 18 , 19 ] and are a good source of polyphenols [ 20 , 21 ]. (4) Spirits (other alcoholic drinks): one binary-response question about the frequency of spirits intake.…”