EFFECT OF MINERAL WATER INTAKE ON BLOOD PRESSURE REGULATION DURING AEROBIC EXERCISE

Background: Water intake affects fluid and electrolyte balance leading to blood pressure response during exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine optimal mineral water (MW) hardness and the effect of MW intake on blood pressure regulation during exercise for enhancing performance. Materials and methods: This study has 2 stages. Firstly, optimal MW hardness level was investigated by measuring serum minerals (Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , K + , Na + ) and ATP concentration taking with different MW hardness (H<10 MW, H300MW, H700MW, H1000MW). To determine optimal MW, 23 male soccer athletes were randomly divided into 4 groups assigned to intake H<10MW, H300MW, H700MW, H1000MW for 4 weeks. Secondly, the effect of optimal MW intake on blood pressure response and serum mineral level during 100km ultramarathon was investigated. Fifty-three ultramarathon runners were randomly divided into the H700MW group (H700MWG, n= 30) and the placebo group (PlaG, n= 23). Results: As water hardness was increased, serum concentration of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ , and ATP level was also proportionally increased, however, ATP level was significantly decreased with H1000MW intake (p< 0.05). The H700MWG showed a significantly higher serum Mg 2+ and Na + level and a significantly higher blood pressure response compared to PlaG (p< 0.05). Conclusion: H700MW intake during exercise would be effective for regulating blood pressure for preventing exercise-induced hypotension and positively contribute athletic performance.