Proteins promote hydration

In decades past, coaches routinely withheld water from players to toughen them up and improve their heat tolerance. In 1965, Dr. Robert Cade, a renal scientist and medical professor, developed the first fluid replacement for athletes, designed to provide hydration, energy and electrolytes. It was tested on the University of Florida football team and they named the drink "Gatorade" after the team mascot (the alligator). The drink was also said to have helped the University of Florida win the Orange Bowl. Gatorade led to extensive scientific research, refining the original formula and creating other liquid substitutes, including Cytomax, which contained nutrients such as polylactate. Researchers from St. Cloud State University found that when protein was added to a fluid replacement drink that contained carbohydrates, electrolytes and water, athletes rehydrated 15% better than Gatorade. The new drink is sold as Accelerade. (This work was presented at the Congress of the European College of Sports Science, July 14, 2005).