MATAWAN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 15, 2006–PacificHealth Laboratories, Inc., an innovative nutrition technology company, today announced the results of a new groundbreaking rehydration study.A protein-containing sports drink was 15% more effective in rehydrating athletes than a conventional sports drink and 40% more effective than water, according to a new study reported in the August 2006 issue of International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (IJSNEM). Since the basic sports drink formula consisting of carbohydrate and electrolytes has remained unchanged and unchallenged for almost 40 years, the study results have important implications for both exercisers and serious athletes. In the study, conducted at St. Cloud State University, the effectiveness of three different beverages in rehydrating athletes was measured. Thirteen endurance athletes drank either a carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink (Gatorade®), a carbohydrate-protein-electrolyte sports drink (Accelerade®), or water after losing 2.5% of their body weight through exercise-induced sweat loss. The investigators found that the carbohydrate-protein-electrolyte sports drink rehydrated athletes 15% better than the carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink and 40% better than water. Dr. John Seifert, Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education & Sports Science and principal study investigator commented, "The results clearly disprove the myth that adding protein to a sports drink negatively impacts rehydration. To the contrary, our results indicate that a carbohydrate-protein sports drink may actually be preferable to a conventional sports drink or water when rapid rehydration and maximum fluid retention are needed to help the body recover from the stress of exercise." Since the two sports drinks used in the study were similar in carbohydrate and electrolyte composition, the investigators concluded that the protein most likely accounted for the improved rehydration. "Our study also provided some practical information regarding the impact of protein on the flavor and taste characteristics of a sports drink," Seifert added. "Subjects tolerated all of the beverages equally well, an observation seen in other studies involving a carbohydrate protein sports drink." Dr. John Ivy, Chairman of the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Texas said of the study, "These results provide evidence of an additional but very important benefit from adding a small amount of protein to a sports drink. Previous studies have shown that a carbohydrate-protein sports drink, when compared to a conventional carbohydrate-only sports drink, improves endurance, reduces post exercise muscle damage and even improves performance in a subsequent exercise bout. However, the primary purpose of drinking a sports drink during exercise is to replenish fluids. Adding protein improves this parameter as well."