A Low-Sugar Flavored Beverage Improves Fluid Intake in Children During Exercise in the Heat

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the impact of a low-sugar flavored beverage on total fluid intake and hydration biomarkers during intermittent exercise in a hot environment among healthy children. Methods: Twenty-one children (11 girls, 8-10 y) completed a randomized, crossover study with two trials. Each trial involved three bouts of 10 min walking, 5 min rest, 10 min walking, and 35 min rest for a total of 3 h in a hot (29.9 ± 0.6 °C) and dry environment (26 ± 7% relative humidity). Walking intensity was 69 ± 7% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Participants consumed either plain water (W) or a low-sugar flavored beverage (FB). Body weight, fluid intake, urine samples, and perceptual ratings were collected. Results: Total ad libitum fluid intake was significantly higher with the FB (946 ± 535 mL) than with W (531 ± 267 mL; p < 0.05). This difference was 128% higher for FB compared to W, with 19 out of the 21 children ingesting more fluids in FB versus W. Children rated the FB as more likable across all time points (p < 0.05). Net fluid balance was better with FB at 60, 70, 85, 135, and 145 min (p < 0.05), though not different at the 3 h mark. Urine volume was higher with FB (727 ± 291 mL) than with W (400 ± 293 mL; p < 0.05). Urine osmolality was significantly higher in the W trial at 120 and 180 min (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A flavored, low-sugar beverage enhanced ad libitum fluid intake and improved hydration markers compared to water during exercise in the heat, supporting its potential as a practical rehydration strategy for children.

Keywords: body fluid balance; dehydration; drinking; palatability; sweating.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of the protocol. The 3 h trial involved intermittent walking and rest periods in a hot, dry environment (29 °C, 26% RH). Body weight was assessed at 13 time points, and urine samples were collected at four time points to monitor hydration status. Participants had ad libitum access to either plain water or a flavored beverage throughout the protocol.

Figure 2

Cumulative fluid intake during the 3 h intermittent exercise in the heat. Participants consumed either a flavored beverage (FB) or plain water ad libitum. Values represent mean ± SE. * denotes statistically significant difference from Water for the same time point (p < 0.05).

Figure 3

Net fluid balance over time during intermittent exercise in the heat with ad libitum access to either a flavored beverage (FB) or plain water. Values represent mean ± SE. * denotes statistically significant difference from water for the same time point (p < 0.05).

Figure 4

Urine volume per collection (A) and cumulative urine volume (B) during the 3 h intermittent exercise in the heat with ad libitum access to either a flavored beverage (FB) or plain water. Values represent mean ± SE. * denotes statistically significant difference from Water for the same time point (p < 0.001).

Figure 5

Urine osmolality (A), osmotic excretion per collection (B), and cumulative osmotic excretion (C) during 3 h intermittent exercise in the heat with ad libitum access to either a flavored beverage (FB) or plain water. Values represent mean ± SE. * denotes statistically significant difference from Water for the same time point (p < 0.05).

Figure 6

Drink likeness perception was measured using a 175 mm visual analog scale during 3 h intermittent exercise in the heat with ad libitum access to either a flavored beverage (FB) or plain water. Values represent mean ± SE. * denotes statistically significant difference from Water for the same time point (p < 0.05).