The effect of mineral-based alkaline water on hydration status and the metabolic response to short-term anaerobic exercise

Abstract

Previously it was demonstrated that mineralization and alkalization properties of mineral water are important factors influencing acid-base balance and hydration in athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of drinking different types of water on urine pH, specific urine gravity, and post-exercise lactate utilization in response to strenuous exercise. Thirty-six male soccer players were divided into three intervention groups, consuming around 4.0 l/day of different types of water for 7 days: HM (n=12; highly mineralized water), LM (n=12; low mineralized water), and CON (n=12; table water). The athletes performed an exercise protocol on two occasions (before and after intervention). The exercise protocol consisted of 5 bouts of intensive 60-s (120% VO2max) cycling separated by 60 s of passive rest. Body composition, urinalysis and lactate concentration were evaluated – before (t0), immediately after (t1), 5’ (t2), and 30’ (t3) after exercise. Total body water and its active transport (TBW – total body water / ICW – intracellular water / ECW – extracellular water) showed no significant differences in all groups, at both occasions. In the post-hydration state we found a significant decrease of specific urine gravity in HM (1021±4.2 vs 1015±3.8 g/L) and LM (1022±3.1 vs 1008±4.2 g/L). We also found a significant increase of pH and lactate utilization rate in LM. In conclusion, the athletes hydrated with alkaline, low mineralized water demonstrated favourable changes in hydration status in response to high-intensity interval exercise with a significant decrease of specific urine gravity, increased urine pH and more efficient utilization of lactate after supramaximal exercise.

Anaerobic Performance and Acid-Base Balance in Basketball Players after the Consumption of Highly Alkaline Water

“…The results obtained in our study are mostly confirmed in the available literature regarding the use of alkalized water, al-though few studies have been conducted on competitive athletes involved in intense anaerobic exercise [13,14,23] .…”

“…The intake of HRW significantly increased post exercise pH from 7.39 ± 0.15 to 7.46 ± 0.11 (p = 0.03) after intervention. Results confirming the advantageous effect of water having higher pH values were obtained by [13] , who observed a group of 36 soccer players consuming 4 litres of variously mineralised water (highly mineralized water pH 6.1, low mineralized water pH 8 and table water pH 5). In spite of a relatively short intervention time the results obtained in the above-named experiment were similar to those reached in our study.…”

“…The wide application spectrum of such water results from its buffering and therapeutic properties. Experimental research with alkaline water revealed its positive effect on acid-base balance, both during rest and after anaerobic effort [13] . Weidman et al revealed that water with higher pH ensured better rehydration after intense physical effort-induced dehydration than that provided by standard water.…”

The Effectiveness of Alkaline Water in Hydrating Athletes

“…Alkaline water with a specific mineral content and increased pH has recently been proposed as an alternative sports drink. There are reports indicating a positive effect of alkaline water on resting and post-exercise acid-base balance [18]. The results of this study indicates, that the use of water with alkalizing properties exhibits a significant potential for hydration, it reduces fluid-electrolyte disturbances and accelerates the rate of lactate utilization following intensive anaerobic interval exercises.…”

“…The results of long-term research show that the use of hydrogen-rich water is helpful in preventing metabolic diseases, including diabetes [17]. Alkaline mineral water with a high pH, through the effect on acid-base balance can also increase the rate of lactate utilization following anaerobic exercise [18].…”