You may have seen that Trainade is marketed as a Hypotonic Oral Rehydration Solution. But what does this mean, what are the benefits of it, and how does it work?
What does Hypotonic mean?
To start with, hypotonic refers to a drink that has a lower concentration of carbohydrates and electrolytes compared to the human body. In contrast, isotonic drinks have the same concentration as the body, while hypertonic drinks have a higher concentration of carbohydrate and electrolytes than the body. Although each type of drink has its unique uses, hypotonic drinks result in the fastest rehydration and water absorption.
How does a Hypotonic Oral Rehydration Solution work?
The speed at which a fluid is absorbed into the body depends on the drink's tonicity, which is affected by the fluid's concentration. This concentration factor impacts a process called osmosis, where water that is more diluted wants to move into less diluted areas. Hypotonic drinks, like Trainade, have a higher concentration of water compared to carbohydrates and electrolytes, making them more easily absorbed by the body.
While it may seem like plain water is the fastest way to rehydrate, hypotonic drinks use electrolytes and small amounts of carbohydrates to further enhance water absorption. Electrolytes, such as sodium, help regulate our hydration levels. When there are more electrolytes than water in our body, it's more willing to absorb water. As a result, having electrolytes can increase the amount of water we absorb.
In addition to electrolytes, hypotonic solutions use a small amount of glucose to enhance our absorption rates. Glucose acts as a co-transporter for water and electrolytes, increasing the amount of water we absorb through a transporter called SGLT-1. However, since a large amount of glucose would slow down osmosis, hypotonic solutions only use a small amount to activate these additional transporters without slowing down other modes of absorption.
Should you use a Hypotonic Oral Rehydration Solution?
While other forms of hydration products may be useful in certain situations, if you are looking to optimise the rate at which your body rehydrates, a hypotonic solution is a must. Trainade is a hypotonic drink that is designed to be quickly absorbed by the body, making it ideal for anyone who needs to stay hydrated, whether they are exercising or simply going about their daily activities.
Summary
A Hypotonic Oral Rehydration Solution like Trainade has a lower concentration of carbohydrates and electrolytes than the human body, which makes it more easily absorbed by the body. The speed of fluid absorption into the body depends on the drink's tonicity, which is affected by the fluid's concentration. Hypotonic drinks utilise electrolytes and small amounts of glucose to enhance water absorption rates. If you are looking for a fast and effective way to rehydrate your body, consider trying a hypotonic drink like Trainade.