Groundbreaking Study Shows
Addition of Protein to a
Sports Drink Dramatically
Improves Rehydration of Athletes
PacificHealth Laboratories, Inc. (OTCBB: PHLI), an
innovative nutrition technology company, today announced the results of a new
groundbreaking rehydration study.
A protein-containing sports drink was 15% more effective in
rehydrating athletes than a conventional sports drink and 40% more effective than water,
according to a new study reported in the August 2006 issue of International Journal of
Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (IJSNEM).
Since the basic sports drink formula consisting of
carbohydrate and electrolytes has remained unchanged and unchallenged for almost 40 years,
the study results have important implications for both exercisers and serious athletes.
In the study, conducted at St. Cloud State University, the
effectiveness of three different beverages in rehydrating athletes was measured. Thirteen
endurance athletes drank either a carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink (Gatorade(R)), a
carbohydrate-protein-electrolyte sports drink (Accelerade(R)), or water after losing 2.5%
of their body weight through exercise-induced sweat loss.
The investigators found that the
carbohydrate-protein-electrolyte sports drink rehydrated athletes 15% better than the
carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink and 40% better than water.
Dr. John Seifert, Associate Professor in the Department of
Physical Education & Sports Science and principal study investigator commented,
"The results clearly disprove the myth that adding protein to a sports drink
negatively impacts rehydration. To the contrary, our results indicate that a
carbohydrate-protein sports drink may actually be preferable to a conventional sports
drink or water when rapid rehydration and maximum fluid retention are needed to help the
body recover from the stress of exercise."
Since the two sports drinks used in the study were similar
in carbohydrate and electrolyte composition, the investigators concluded that the protein
most likely accounted for the improved rehydration.
"Our study also provided some practical information
regarding the impact of protein on the flavor and taste characteristics of a sports
drink," Seifert added. "Subjects tolerated all of the beverages equally well, an
observation seen in other studies involving a carbohydrate protein sports drink."
Dr. John Ivy, Chairman of the Department of Kinesiology at
the University of Texas said of the study, "These results provide evidence of an
additional but very important benefit from adding a small amount of protein to a sports
drink. Previous studies have shown that a carbohydrate-protein sports drink, when compared
to a conventional carbohydrate-only sports drink, improves endurance, reduces post
exercise muscle damage and even improves performance in a subsequent exercise bout.
However, the primary purpose of drinking a sports drink during exercise is to replenish
fluids. Adding protein improves this parameter as well."
This study was funded by PacificHealth Laboratories, makers
of Accelerade Sports Drink. For more information visit www.accelerade.com.
About PacificHealth Laboratories, Inc.:
PacificHealth Laboratories, Inc. (PHLI.OB), a leading
nutrition technology company, has been a pioneer in discovering, developing and
commercializing patented, protein-based nutritional products that stimulate specific
peptides involved in appetite regulation and that activate biochemical pathways involved
in muscle performance and growth. PHLI's principle areas of focus include weight loss,
management of Type 2 diabetes and sports performance. To learn more, visit
www.pacifichealthlabs.com.
About IJSNEM:
IJSNEM is a peer-review journal that publishes original
scientific investigations and scholarly reviews offering new insights into sport nutrition
and exercise metabolism, as well as articles focusing on the application of the principles
of biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition to sport and exercise.
This news release and oral statements made from time to
time by Company representatives concerning the same subject matter may contain so-called
"forward-looking statements". These statements can be identified by introductory
words such as "expects", "plans", "will",
"estimates", "forecasts", "projects" or words of similar
meaning and by the fact they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.
Forward-looking statements frequently are used in discussing new products and their
potential. Many factors may cause actual results to differ from forward-looking
statements, including inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of risks and
uncertainties, some of which are known, such general economic conditions, consumer product
acceptance and competitive products, and others of which are not. No forward-looking
statements are a guarantee of future results or events, and one should avoid placing undue
reliance on such statements.
Copyright 2006 Business Wire, Inc.
Business Wire August 15, 2006, CONTACT:
KCSA Worldwide Jeffrey Goldberger, 212-896-1249 jgoldberger@kcsa.com
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