Information
Aqualyte is a unique rapidly absorbed fluid and electrolyte replacement solution for people who perform physical work in hot environments and where adequate and timely replacement of fluid loss through sweating is critical for effective performance.
Mission Statement
To provide a quality product and to support and encourage its use through relationship building, consultation and rational, scientific decision making.
Introduction
There are 3 key questions that need to be addressed when addressing the hydration strategies for workers. These are; 1. Is there a need for Electrolyte Rehydration Solutions (ERS) to be used? 2. What should an ERS contain, and 3. What hydration practices are in place to ensure workers consume the appropriate amount of fluid and electrolytes at the right time? There is sufficient literature to suggest the need for ERS for workers in hot climates. Not only do these solutions help to stimulate thirst through palatability so that greater volumes of fluid are consumed and retained, but they also help to replenish the essential electrolytes lost in sweat which are required for normal homeostatic balance and neuromuscular function. Without adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement there is a reduction in blood volume which affects blood supply to muscles, and to the skin for the regulation of body temperature. Physical performance, judgement and coordination suffer, and fatigue and the risk of heat illness increase. The success of products currently available in the Middle East is based on the broad acceptance that there is a need for ERS. The choice of products being used however seems to be based more on the products marketing than on its technical characteristics. If correctly formulated, ERS will be absorbed more rapidly than plain water enabling greater quantities of fluid to be consumed which helps in the prevention of heat related illness caused by dehydration. For information on what an ERS should contain, the reader is directed to Appendix A which provides a brief review of the literature on this topic.
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Why AQUALYTE?
Aqualyte was developed as a result of extensive research into the composition of sweat and the prevention of heat illness and dehydration, and unlike other products on the market, is specifically formulated for prolonged use by military personnel, endurance athletes and for work in hot environments. For copies of the published research in this area, please visit www.aqualyte.com.au and click on the literature tab. Aqualyte has a low carbohydrate content and is HYPOTONIC when made up correctly, promoting rapid gastric emptying, minimising bloating and encouraging consumption of greater volumes than that of other, sweeter drinks. The mildly citrus flavour is well accepted and the relatively lower acidity is less damaging to the teeth when consumed in quantity. Aqualyte comes in a crystallised powder and is provided in either 80g or 800g sachets by the carton. Quantity P/Carton 100 10 Each Sachet Makes 2 Litres 20 Litres Volume P/Carton 200 Litres 200 Litres
How it Works
The osmolality of blood and body fluids is approximately 290mosmol/L The majority of sports drinks are Isotonic (similar or higher value). This results in slower emptying from the gut, which can cause a feeling of fullness or bloating and slower absorption into the body. Aqualyte Solution is a HYPOTONIC solution and has an osmolality of 150mosmol/L. Studies have shown hypotonic drinks are more effective than isotonic drinks or plain water. Aqualyte Solution can move from the gut into the blood supply up to 50% faster than isotonic drinks.
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Prevents dehydration as it is rapidly absorbed keeping pace with sweat losses. Maintains the correct electrolyte balance. Contains appropriate levels of glucose to provide energy for muscular work. Delays the onset of fatigue. Fewer calories than other fluid replacement drinks, cordials and soft drinks. Less acidic than other fluid replacement drinks. Aids concentration in work and sport rather than contribute to attention deficit disorders which many caffeine rich drinks do.
Through a comparison to the recommendations in the literature (Appendix A) and to other products, the unique difference that Aqualyte provides is highlighted. Aqualyte has been developed based on science and the needs of workers, not for the general public.
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Cartons
Dimensions: 28.5 L x 22.5 W x 23.0 H Weight: 9kg Handling: 100 cartons per pallet.
Aqualyte is manufactured by Point Health Pty Ltd in specialised facilities provided by Fresh Food Industries (FFI) in Perth, Western Australia. All manufacturing is governed and regulated by strict Australian manufacturing standards. Aqualyte is manufactured and shipped according to supply requirements which maximises product shelf life.
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Hydration Poster
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APPENDIX A
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Osmolarity
The osmolarity of a fluid is a measure of the concentration of dissolved particles. All of the ingredients contribute to the osmolarity. Solutions with similar osmolarity to body fluids are termed isotonic (approximately 280 mosmol/L), whereas hypertonic solutions are more concentrated and hypotonic solutions are less concentrated than body fluids. Hypertonic solutions empty slowly from the stomach and are more likely to cause bloating and gastrointestinal distress, limiting consumption. They are also absorbed more slowly from the intestine delaying rehydration. Isotonic and hypotonic solutions empty rapidly from the stomach into the intestine, where hypotonic solutions are absorbed most rapidly.
Sodium
The normal sodium concentration in the extracellular fluid (which includes the blood plasma) is 150 millimoles per litre (mmol/L). In one study sweat sodium content ranged from 35 to 72 mmol/L [3] so sweating concentrates the sodium in the extracellular fluid and stimulates thirst. Drinking plain water corrects the concentration and alleviates thirst but does not fully restore lost volume; which requires replacement of the sodium. Most of this will come from the diet, but between meals a sodium-containing drink combats dehydration as sodium is actively taken up from the gut and water is absorbed along with it, promoting rapid and complete rehydration and fluid retention. The amount of sodium in a rehydration beverage is limited by palatability. A mildly salty taste is appealing, especially when one is dehydrated, and will stimulate consumption, however if the sodium content is too high palatability suffers and less will be consumed. A sodium concentration of 10-20 mmol/L is suitable
Potassium
Most of the bodys potassium is found inside the cells, with only about 5 mmol/L in the extracellular fluid and plasma. The potassium content of sweat varies but is usually between 4 and 7 mmol/L [4], with light to moderate sweating this is readily replaced from the diet. When sweating is heavy an electrolyte drink containing potassium helps to maintain stable levels in the body fluids which is essential for normal nerve and muscle function. The potassium content of the drink should not be too high as excess potassium can affect the heart; research suggests that 3-7mmol/L is sufficient to offset sweat losses.
Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are added to electrolyte drinks for various reasons, in fact a recent study has shown that the presence of carbohydrate in the mouth (even without ingestion) improves performance [5]. The amount of carbohydrate is important as too much slows gastric emptying [6] and raises osmolarity restricting absorption. Research has shown that carbohydrate concentrations of 3-4% are optimal with higher concentrations slowing rehydration and causing discomfort. Glucose, sucrose and other sugars enhance the taste and mask saltiness, improving palatability. Sucrose is sweeter than glucose and has less effect on osmolarity, so is often the main carbohydrate, however very sweet drinks, although initially attractive, do not encourage high consumption Glucose in combination with sodium is rapidly absorbed from the intestine promoting uptake of water and enhancing rehydration. In the intestine sucrose is broken down to glucose (and fructose). Maltodextrin, a tasteless carbohydrate found in some drinks has little effect on osmolarity and breaks down to glucose in the intestine. Carbohydrate provides a source of energy, maintaining blood glucose and combating fatigue. This is an additional reason for consuming an electrolyte drink during prolonged sport or work. However high carbohydrate levels as found in many drinks contribute a significant calorie load to the diet, which may be a concern.
Other ingredients
Many electrolyte drinks contain other electrolytes such as magnesium or calcium, or vitamins such as vitamins C and B. This is a marketing tactic and the rationale for adding these is tenuous. Magnesium and calcium are both essential for muscle function but losses in sweat are minimal [4] and are readily replaced from dietary sources. Both substances are efficiently reused and recycled in the body, so unless diets are deficient there is no benefit in supplementation. The same applies for vitamins; a balanced and varied diet will provide adequate quantities, often in a more usable form than a supplement. The addition of ingredients for the sake of marketing is counterproductive as all additional ingredients add to the osmolarity, potentially compromising the effectiveness of the product for its primary purpose of fluid replacement.
WHY AQUALYTE?
Aqualyte was developed as a result of extensive research into the composition of sweat and the prevention of heat illness and dehydration, and unlike other products on the market, is specifically formulated for prolonged use by military personnel, endurance athletes and for work in hot environments. Aqualyte has a low carbohydrate content and is HYPOTONIC when made up correctly, promoting rapid gastric emptying, minimising bloating and encouraging consumption of greater volumes than that of other, sweeter drinks. The refreshing, mildly citrus flavour is well accepted and the relatively lower acidity is less damaging to the teeth when consumed in quantity.
Aqualyte Carbo Shotz Elete Game Gatorade Hydralyte Oral Rehyd Salts (ORS) PB Fluid & Electrolyte Pocari Sweat Powerade Prolyte Staminade Squincher Recommended Concentrations
References
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Brake, D.J. and G.P. Bates, Fluid losses and hydration status of industrial workers under thermal stress working extended shifts. Occup Environ Med, 2003. 60(2): p. 90-96. Miller, V. and G. Bates, Hydration of outdoor workers in northwest Australia. The Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, 2007. 23(1): p. 79-87. Bates, G. and V. Miller, Sweat rate and sodium loss during work in the heat. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 2008. 3(1): p. 4. Montain, S.J., S.N. Cheuvront, and H.C. Lukaski, Sweat mineral-element responses during 7 h of exercise-heat stress. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab, 2007. 17(6): p. 574-82. Chambers, E.S., M.W. Bridge, and D.A. Jones, Carbohydrate sensing in the human mouth: effects on exercise performance and brain activity. J Physiol, 2009. 587(Pt 8): p. 1779-94. Murray, R., et al., A comparison of the gastric emptying characteristics of selected sports drinks. Int J Sport Nutr, 1999. 9(3): p. 263-74.