Passe, D. H., Horn, M., & Murray, R. (1999). Palatability and voluntary intake of sports beverages, diluted fruit juice, and water during exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 1616.

The impact of beverage palatability on voluntary fluid intake with diluted orange juice, water, a homemade 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage, and a commercially available sports beverage (Gatorade) was investigated. All, except water, were orange-flavored. Triathletes and runners (N = 50) exercised for 75 minutes at 80-85% of age-predicted heart rate. After 30 and 60 minutes, Ss were allowed free access to a beverage and completed a sensory questionnaire. All Ss participated in each condition.

There were no differences in palatability between the drinks. The commercial beverage induced significantly greater intake than the others. Percent dehydration was also significantly less for the commercial beverage, with water being significantly more than the others.

Implication. A commercial beverage (Gatorade), with optimized palatability, increased fluid intake and reduced dehydration during 75 minutes of exercise.

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