Hydrate x Big League Chew®Electrolyte Drink Mix

HYDRATE is designed to support:

Hydration plays a critical role in performance, recovery, and overall health. Yet many sports drinks rely on large amounts of sugar and only a handful of electrolytes, leaving athletes without the comprehensive support they need during intense training.

• Comprehensive hydration and electrolyte replenishment

• Muscle function and normal nerve signaling

• Exercise performance and endurance

• Recovery following intense training

SCIENTIFIC BREAKDOWN

Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C is perhaps historically best-known for the treatment and prevention of scurvy, though it has many other roles in the body. For example, vitamin C catalyzes or is a cofactor in eight enzymatic reactions involved in the synthesis of collagen, the nutrient carnitine, and several neurotransmitters necessary for the proper function of the brain.

In the contemporary context, vitamin C is best known as a potent antioxidant. In addition to its intrinsic activity as an antioxidant, vitamin C has been shown in in vitro trials to regenerate alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). As an antioxidant, vitamin C combats the detrimental effects of a group of compounds called radical oxygen species that, when produced, degrade the lipid membrane of the cell and may cause internal damage. By “scavenging” these free radicals, vitamin C and other antioxidants form a defense against excess cellular damage.

Calcium (as calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, Albion® dicalcium malate)

While best-known as the main bioactive in milk, and a compound that contributes to strong bones, calcium has numerous physiological effects in the body. As a key electrolyte it is responsible for mediating vascular contraction and vasodilatation, muscle function, nerve transmission, intracellular signaling, and hormonal secretion. Homeostatic regulation of calcium, which the body cannot produce, also requires sufficient levels of vitamin D. In the context of muscular contraction and relaxation, if calcium is required for strong contractions, magnesium is required for efficient relaxation of those muscle fibers.

Albion® is a trademarked form of dicalcium malate, which is calcium bonded with malic acid. It has been shown in studies to be a much better absorbed form of calcium and has the ability to maintain serum calcium levels for a much longer period of time. This can lead to a better maintained electrolyte level and greater performance where calcium is required.

Magnesium (as magnesium carbonate, magnesium bisglycinate chelate (Albion®), magnesium citrate, magnesium lysinate glycinate chelate (TRAACS®))

Magnesium, an often-overlooked electrolyte, is the second most abundant intracellular cation (after potassium). It is a cofactor to over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and is required for cellular energy metabolism, functioning of the sodium/potassium adenosine triphosphatase pump, nerve conduction, and ion transport. Magnesium is also required for the use of the body’s energy currency, ATP. To become biologically active, ATP must be bound to magnesium to form Mg-ATP. In addition, magnesium is necessary for the proper function of cells with calcium and potassium gated ion channels such as heart and muscle cells. Working alongside calcium, magnesium plays a crucial role in the body by regulating muscular contractions as well as cramp prevention. In the context of muscle health and rehydration, the longer and more intense a bout of physical activity is, the more magnesium is lost primarily through sweat and urine. This loss of electrolyte balance requires its replenishment so that physical performance can remain at its peak throughout the duration of the activity reducing the risk of injury or bodily harm. Regardless of the type of sport or exercise, muscular contractions and energy production could not occur consistently without the presence of magnesium.

Zinc (as zinc bisglycinate chelate (Albion®))

As an essential mineral, like magnesium, zinc is also involved in a wide-range of essential biological functions in the human body – and a requirement in the catalytic activity of over 100 enzymes.

Most notably, zinc is vital for immune function, protein synthesis, cellular division, and DNA synthesis. For immune function, zinc is required for the function of a group of immune cells known as neutrophils and macrophages, which eliminate pathological cells and their products from the body.

With magnesium, sufficient levels of zinc are also necessary for the production and maintenance of healthy levels of testosterone.

Chloride (as magnesium chloride)

Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes in the human body. Similar to sodium and potassium, which will be discussed below, chloride creates specific channels in cell membranes which help to carry out different vital tasks. It is responsible for balancing the fluids on the inside of the cells with the fluids on the outside of the cells, as well as maintaining proper blood volume, blood pressure, and fluid pH. Chloride is also important for muscle and heart contraction as well as to aid in the carrying of nerve impulses between our nerve cells and our brain and the rest of the body. Additionally, chloride is needed to help red blood cells exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs as well as plays a role in the digestion of foods by supporting hydrochloric acid production in the stomach. We often lose chloride through sweat and perspiration, which comes in the form of water and salt. Replenishment of chloride can come from utilizing salt (often found as sodium-chloride, or table salt), cheese, canned fish, and some processed meats. Overconsumption of some of these foods may not be beneficial for some individuals, so supplementation may be the best way for these individuals to replenish chloride in their bodies.

Sodium (as sodium citrate)

Sodium, like chloride above, is one of the most essential electrolytes for our body to utilize. As sodium is often found bound to chloride as sodium-chloride (salt), their function and benefits are going to be very similar in nature. Sodium helps to keep the water (mainly amount of fluid outside of the body’s cells) and electrolyte balance of the body, while also aiding in the contraction and relaxation of muscles as well as conducting nerve impulses. While only 500mg of sodium is needed per day for these functions to occur, we as active individuals need far more sodium in order to maintain these functions. We mostly lose sodium through sweat and urine, so the more active we are/the more we sweat and the more we urinate, the more sodium is lost. Acquiring enough sodium through food and drink is crucial to establishing equilibrium again in order to maintain proper functioning and electrolyte balance within the body. The standard American diet is often overloaded with sodium and coupled with inactivity, which can lead to poor health and dysfunction. It is important to engage in physical activity of some kind most days and to eat a diet that is balanced in nutrients in order to maintain proper health.

Potassium (as potassium citrate, coconut water concentrate, potassium glycinate chelate (TRAACS®))

Potassium, as sodium’s counterpart, acts as a critical electrolyte primarily by helping to maintain normal levels of fluids inside of our cells. Additionally, it helps muscles to contract and relax, aid in strong nerve function, as well as support normal blood pressure. It works very closely with sodium to create the membrane potential needed for the electrical currents that generate these functions to pass from one cell to the next. While the potassium levels in our body are regulated carefully, a diet lacking sufficient amounts of potassium (especially when combined with excess sodium) or one that contains too much potassium can eventually lead to certain types of dysfunctions and poor health status. When potassium levels in the body increase, the adrenal glands release the hormone aldosterone, which causes the kidneys to excrete excess potassium through the urine. When potassium levels are too low, aldosterone levels are suppressed, which can lead to conservation of potassium thus interfering with balance and negatively affecting transport channels that affect vital bodily functions. Potassium can be gotten from the diet in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, beans, tomatoes, spinach and broccoli but supplementing can be an essential application as well to support an active lifestyle where excretion is higher than can be replenished through diet.

L-Taurine

Through traditionally referred to as an amino acid due to its chemical structure, taurine is not an amino acid in the sense that leucine, alanine, or glutamine are. Its chemical status aside, taurine is considered one of the body’s most essential chemical compounds, as cardiovascular function, muscle development and function, along with optical and nervous systems in the body depend on its abundance. While data on taurine typically occurs with taurine in supplement combinations (with caffeine and other amino acids), these data nevertheless suggest that dietary supplementation with taurine may have beneficial effects on mental focus and alertness and may assist during times of increased physical exertion.

Coconut Water Concentrate (Cocos nucifera)

Coconut water, like the name implies, is the liquid that is found within the coconut itself. Often having a slightly sweet, nutty flavor, it also contains an adequate amount of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium. All of these electrolytes, like discussed in sections above, can help to boost hydration status and replenish nutrients lost through exercise or rigorous everyday activities. Potassium is the highest concentration in coconut water at roughly 600mg per cup (16% DV), which as discussed about it has a vital role in optimally functioning kidneys and strong muscle contractions. Potassium can also work to keep fluid levels and other electrolytes balanced during exercise. The high concentration of potassium in coconut water specifically can balance our sodium’s effects on blood pressure, and even lower blood pressure slightly, which can have its own benefits towards training and overall health and circulatory health. In addition to the added electrolytes that coconut water can provide, it also can provide a potent amount of antioxidants that can aid in the neutralization of free radicals that can rapidly take over during intense training. By eliminating these free radicals, muscles will be able to perform longer and more efficiently, as well as be able to recover adequately. While general water consumption can be adequate as well, the added electrolytes coconut water can supply provides an added benefit that can improve performance and overall recovery.

ConcenTrace® AC (Trace Mineral Complex)

Our bodies are high functioning machines and require a lot of support to continue to perform at a high-level day in and day out. A lot of these needs are difficult to be acquired by diet alone, so supplementation is critical. Minerals are included in these daily needs and are vital to the bodies many processes. ConcenTrace® AC is a high-quality trace mineral complex providing a comprehensive blend of nutrients that are often hard to acquire from diet alone. Its manufacturing process makes it up to 26x more concentrated than other colloidal trace minerals, adding to its benefits. These minerals contained in the product are catalysts for all of the vitamins and other nutrients our body requires to function at an optimal level and maintain health. Some of these functions include electrolyte replacement, maintaining pH balance in the body, nourishing hair and skin, strengthening bones and joints, regulating the digestive system, and improving athletic performance.

References:

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Morini, Marisa; Ottolini, Denis; Calì, Tito; Carafoli, Ernesto (2013). "Chapter 4. Calcium in Health and Disease". In Astrid Sigel, Helmut Sigel and Roland K. O. Sigel. Interrelations between Essential Metal Ions and Human Diseases. Metal Ions in Life Sciences. 13. Springer. pp. 81–137. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-7500-8_4.

Brini, Marisa; Call, Tito; Ottolini, Denis; Carafoli, Ernesto (2013). "Chapter 5 Intracellular Calcium Homeostasis and Signaling". In Banci, Lucia (Ed.). Metallomics and the Cell. Metal Ions in Life Sciences. 12. Springer. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-5561-1_5. ISBN 978-94-007-5560-4. electronic-book ISBN 978-94-007-5561-1 ISSN 1559-0836 electronic-ISSN 1868-0402

Wilson, C.H.; Ali, E.S.; Scrimgeour, N.; Martin, A.M.; Hua, J.; Tallis, G.A.; Rychkov, G.Y.; Barritt, G.J. (2015). "Steatosis inhibits liver cell store-operated Ca(2)(+) entry and reduces ER Ca(2)(+) through a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism". Biochem J. 466 (2): 379–390. doi:10.1042/bj20140881. PMID 25422863.

Milo, Ron; Philips, Rob. "Cell Biology by the Numbers: What are the concentrations of different ions in cells?". book.bionumbers.org. Retrieved 24 March 2017.

Brini, Marisa; Ottolini, Denis; Calì, Tito; Carafoli, Ernesto (2013). "Chapter 4. Calcium in Health and Disease". In Astrid Sigel, Helmut Sigel and Roland K. O. Sigel. Interrelations between Essential Metal Ions and Human Diseases. Metal Ions in Life Sciences. 13. Springer. pp. 81–138. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-7500-8_4.

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Ahmed, F., & Mohammed, A. (2019). Magnesium: The Forgotten Electrolyte-A Review on Hypomagnesemia. Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 7(4), 56. https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci7040056

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