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HONOLULU, HAWAII. Dr. Robert Whang MD, Professor of Medicine at the University
of Hawaii, believes that commonly available sports drinks like Gatorade,
Allsport and Powerade are less than optimum for rehydration purposes because
they contain no magnesium. Dr. Whang points out that adequate levels of
intracellular potassium and magnesium are important in ensuring sufficient blood
flow to the muscles and internal organs, in maintaining normal acid-base
balance, and in controlling the level of excitation of the nerves, particularly
in the heart. Magnesium is a vital component in the synthesis of ATP (the
body's main energy source), DNA, RNA and protein, and is required for proper
nerve conduction, muscle contraction, cell division, and transport across cell
membranes. Magnesium losses during strenuous exercise can be quite considerable
and are accompanied by significant losses of potassium as well. There is also
some evidence that a magnesium deficiency can interfere with the reuptake of
potassium after dehydration. The United States Army has recently developed a
new rehydration beverage specifically designed for troops operating in desert
and tropical environments. The new drink, Army CE 1, contains 128 mg of sodium,
96 mg of potassium, and 16 mg of magnesium per 240 ml. In comparison the
popular sports drink Gatorade contains 110 mg of sodium, 30 mg of potassium, and
no magnesium. Dr. Whang concludes that consideration should be given to adding
magnesium to sports drinks. He points out that the American diet is usually
deficient in magnesium and suggests that people engaged in strenuous sports
activities supplement with the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for magnesium
(350 mg/day for men and 280 mg/day for women in the USA) provided they do not
suffer from kidney failure.
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