Supplementation of Acqua Lete® (Bicarbonate Calcic Mineral Water) improves hydration status in athletes after short term anaerobic exercise

Background: experimental studies suggest that mineral waters with high concentrations of calcium and bicarbonate can impact acid-base balance. the purpose of this study was to test the effect on acid-base balance and specific urine gravity,of a bicarbonate calcic mineral water (acqua lete®) compared to a minimally mineralized water.methods: 88 amateur male athletes underwent two experimental trials with a modified wingate test: the first was carried out without hydration (control test,test c,n = 88); the second was carried out after one week of controlled hydration (test with hydration,test h,n = 88),with 1.5 l/day of a very low mineral content water (group a,n = 44) or 1.5 l/day of acqua lete® (group b,n = 44). measure of body temperature,bioimpedance analysis,muscular ultrasound,and urinalysis were taken before (t0),immediately after (t 1),5' (t 2),and 30' (t 3) after exercise.results: hydration results in a decreased core temperature; muscular ultrasound showed increased muscle thickness after exercise related to content of body water. regarding urinalysis,in test h,we found in both groups after exercise a significant decrease of specific urine gravity with significantly lower levels in group b. we also found a significant increase of ph in the same group b.conclusions: in conclusion all the athletes hydrated with acqua lete® showed a positive impact on hydration status after anaerobic exercise with significant decrease of specific urine gravity and a positive effect on ph. © 2012 brancaccio et al.; licensee biomed central ltd.