Effects of Alkaline Water on Short-Term Anerobic Fatigue

Alkaline water is widely marketed for its purported hydration and performance benefits, but there is limited research to support these claims. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of alkaline (ALK) versus neutral (NEU) water on rehydration and anaerobic performance. METHODS: Nine trained males, (age (yrs) 25.7 ± 4.30, height (m) 1.77 ± 0.47, and weight (kg) 87.92 ± 17.17), participated in a randomized crossover design study. Following a ten-hour food and water fast to induce hypohydration, participants were rehydrated with 500 ml of either ALK or NEU water immediately after on-arrival testing. Blood glucose and blood lactate were tested on arrival (OA), pre-Wingate (PRE), post-Wingate (POST), and one-hour after post-Wingate (1HRPOST). Urine-specific gravity and urine pH were tested OA, PRE, and 1HRPOST. Anaerobic performance was assessed using three 30-second Wingate tests with a three-minute rest interval between rounds. After a seven-day washout period, each subject repeated the testing protocol with the water selection opposite to day one. RESULTS: No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between ALK and NEU water in blood glucose, blood lactate, urine specific gravity, or urine pH. ALK vs. NEU mean peak power (750.15 ± 122.42 vs. 733.89 ± 129.26), total peak power (2302.52 ± 304.04 vs. 2245.08 ± 375.57), and total work (9309.337 ± 1285.989 vs. 9444.345 ± 1274.057), did not differ significantly (p>0.05). However, ALK showed significantly greater fatigue compared to NEU (71.21% ± 11.16% vs.61.01% ± 11.28%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: ALK and NEU water did not significantly affect hydration or anaerobic performance in hypohydrated individuals. However, ALK water increased fatigue compared to NEU, suggesting it may impair recovery in repeated anaerobic efforts. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms behind this difference.