Author(s): NANA, A., SANDCHUEN, N., Institution: MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY , Country: THAILAND, Abstract-ID: 465

INTRODUCTION:
Effective post-exercise rehydration is essential for restoring fluid balance, maintaining physiological homeostasis, and supporting subsequent exercise performance and recovery. Alcohol consumption is known to impair fluid retention due to its diuretic effects; however, limited evidence exists regarding the rehydration potential of low- and non-alcoholic beverages when supplemented with sodium. This study investigated the effects of low-alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer with added sodium on net fluid balance following exercise-induced dehydration in healthy, physically active males.
METHODS:
Ten healthy, physically active males (≥3 exercise sessions/week; 150–300 min/week) completed a randomized, crossover trial involving four beverage conditions: non-alcoholic beer (0%), non-alcoholic beer supplemented with 25 mmol·L⁻¹ sodium, low-alcoholic beer (3%) supplemented with 25 mmol·L⁻¹ sodium, and a commercially available sports drink. Trials were separated by a one-week washout period. Participants cycled at 60% VO₂max until achieving 1.8–2.0% body mass loss. During recovery, participants consumed a volume equivalent to 150% of their individual fluid loss within 60 min. Net fluid balance, urine output, urine osmolality, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion were assessed over a standardized 4-h recovery period.
RESULTS:
Cumulative urine output was significantly lower following consumption of non-alcoholic beer with added sodium compared with non-alcoholic beer alone (p < 0.05), and lower following the sports drink compared with non-alcoholic beer (p < 0.05). Non-alcoholic beer alone resulted in the highest cumulative urine output (983 mL), indicating poorer fluid retention. Although the sports drink demonstrated superior net fluid balance at 1 h post-rehydration, none of the beverage conditions achieved a positive net fluid balance after 4 h of recovery.
CONCLUSION:
The addition of sodium improved fluid retention when incorporated into non-alcoholic beer, partially attenuating its diuretic effect. Despite short-term advantages observed with the sports drink, sustained restoration of fluid balance remained limited across all beverage conditions. Sodium supplementation enhances post-exercise fluid retention in non-alcoholic beer; however, neither low- nor non-alcoholic beverages nor a conventional sports drink fully restored fluid balance within 4 h following exercise-induced dehydration.