Impressions of an Electrolyte Beverage Among Individuals Participating in Collegiate Sports

Authors

S. Andrew Cage, The University of TexasFollow
Alexander P. Jacobsen, University of TexasFollow
Jessie Gibson, University of TexasFollow
Eric Bobel, University of TexasFollow
Rebecca Peebles, University of TexasFollow
Derek Lege, M.Ed., CSCS, University of TexasFollow

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to describe the appeal of an electrolyte hydration beverage for individuals participating in collegiate athletics. A secondary purpose of this project was to describe the acute impact of the examined beverage on the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: A total 100 individuals participating in collegiate athletics were enrolled in this study (age = 21 ± 2 years, Male = 51, Female = 49). Each participant was provided a packet of electrolyte drink mix (EverLyte^® sticks, Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc., Muscatine, IA). Participants were instructed to combine the drink mix with a bottle of chilled water and consume the beverage before, during, or after organized team practices when preparing for competition.  Individuals were then asked to complete an electronic survey after drinking the beverage. The survey included questions obtaining demographic information, the participants’ thoughts on the beverage from the standpoint of appearance, taste, texture, smell, and overall appeal, preference of the beverage over water or other hydration options, and gastrointestinal symptoms that presented after drinking the beverage. Results: The majority of participants reported positive impressions of the beverage that was assessed. 98% (N = 98) responded “Like Extremely”, “Like”, or “Like Somewhat” when asked about their overall impressions of the beverage. Of the 100 participants, only five reported mild bloating. None of the participants in this study reported moderate or severe gastrointestinal symptoms after drinking the beverage. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study found that the electrolyte beverage tested was well received by the tested group of individuals participating in collegiate athletics. Proper hydration behaviors are critical for decreasing the risk of the negative physical and cognitive effects brought on by dehydration. Sports medicine professionals, coaching staffs, and athletics administrators seeking to encourage proper hydration behavior should consider using a similar hydration strategy. Future research should be conducted to determine the effects of electrolyte beverages on body weight lost during activity, urinary specific gravity, and muscle performance. This information will be valuable in formulating optimal, and appealing, hydration beverage formulations for individuals participating in physical activity.

Author Bio(s)

S. Andrew Cage, EdD, LAT, ATC, is the Head Athletic Trainer and Instructor of Health & Kinesiology for the University of Texas at Tyler in Tyler, TX.

Alexander Jacobson, DO, is a Team Physician for the University of Texas at Tyler in Tyler, TX.

Jessie Gibson, MS, LD, RD, is a Licensed Dietitian for UT Health East Texas in Tyler, TX.

Eric Bobel, MD, is a Sports Medicine Fellowship Physician for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler in Tyler, TX.

Rebecca Peebles, DO, is a Team Physician for the University of Texas at Tyler, and the Director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler in Tyler, TX.

Derek Lege, M.Ed., CSCS, is the Director of Strength & Conditioning for the University of Texas at Tyler in Tyler, TX.

Acknowledgements

There was no external funding provided or payment for this study. EverLyte® sticks were provided by Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc. of Muscatine, IA.

Recommended Citation

Cage S, Jacobsen AP, Gibson J, Bobel E, Peebles R, Lege, M.Ed., CSCS D. Impressions of an Electrolyte Beverage Among Individuals Participating in Collegiate Sports. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Mar 03;24(1), Article 27.