Improved exercise capacity in the heat followed by coconut water consumption

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of prior ingestion of coconut water on fluid retention and exercise capacity in the heat as well as signs of gastrointestinal distress. Eight physically active men were recruited (age 23 ± 3 years, height 176 ± 6 cm, body mass 78 ± 7 kg) and performed three exercise capacity trials on a cycle ergometer in the heat (34 ± 1°C) after the ingestion of one of the following drinks: a) plain water (PW), b) flavored drink (FD), and c) coconut water (CW). Ingestion of CWresulted in a longer time to exhaustion (p=0.029). Likewise, participants achieved a higher heart rate in the CW session when compared to the other trials (PW 183 ± 5 bpm, FD 184 ± 8 bpm, and CW 189 ± 8 bpm, p