Effects of carbonated and noncarbonated beverages at specific intervals during treadmill running in the heat.

Eight male runners performed four 2-hr treadmill runs at 65% VO2max in the heat (35 degrees C, 15-20% RH). A different beverage was offered each trial and subjects drank ad libitum for 2 min every 20 min. The beverages were, 6% carbohydrate (CHO) solution (NC 6), 6% carbonated-CHO solution (C 6), 10% CHO solution (NC 10), and 10% carbonated-CHO solution (C 10). NC 6 and C 6 contained 4% sucrose and 2% glucose. NC 10 and C 10 contained high fructose corn syrup. Subjects drank more NC 6 than C 6. Fluid consumption was not different among other trials. During all trials, volume consumed and % delta PV declined while heart rate and rectal temperature increased (p < 0.05). No significant differences occurred between beverages for these variables. Percent body weight lost was greater (p < 0.05) for the C 10 trial compared to the NC 6 trial. Neither sweat rate, percent fluid replaced, plasma [Na+], [K+], osmolality, percent of drink volume emptied from the stomach, or glucose concentration differed among trials. Plasma [K+] and osmolality increased (p < 0.05) over time. Ratings of fullness and thirst were not different among beverages, although both perceptions increased (p < 0.05) with time. It is concluded that (a) carbonation decreased the consumption of the 6% CHO beverage; (b) fluid homeostasis and thermo-regulation were unaffected by the solutions ingested; and (c) fluid consumption decreased with time, while ratings of fullness and thirst increased.