What Drives Our Thirst?

Why was this study done? It has long been thought that thirst and dehydration sensations are regulated by plasma osmolality (concentration of electrolytes). This study was designed to help understand the mechanisms underlying thirst. What did the study find? That the act of drinking produces a neural response (through  a hormone called norepinephrine) that alerts…

Dietary Fiber and Cardiovascular Risk

Why was this study done? There is a well-established relationship between fiber intake and cholesterol levels. Many of the studies performed, though, have been short-term in nature. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of long-term (six months) supplemental fiber. What did the study find? A mixture containing water-soluble dietary fiber (psyllium,…

Dehydration and Fatigue in Athletes

Why was this study done? Dehydration is thought to play an important role in the management of fatigue for athletes. This study was designed to help understand the role of rehydration formulas, their relationship to plasma volume, and fatigue. What did the study find? The formula (AA) provided the larger pre-exercise volume, greater acid-buffering, and…

Omega-3 Fish Oils, Inflammation, and Asthma

Why was this study done? Asthma is one of the more common childhood conditions and effects around eight percent of adults. The prevalence has been increasing since the 1980s. This study was designed to help understand the connection between omega 3 supplementation, inflammatory markers, and asthma symptoms. What did the study find? Supplementing with omega-3…

B vitamins and Homocysteine Levels

Why was this study done? Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood that is produced in the body during normal protein metabolism. High homocysteine levels are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to understand the relationship between B vitamin status and homocysteine levels. What did the study find?…

Rehydration for Athletes

Why was this study done? It is thought that fatigue in athletes may be brought on by many factors, but dehydration (and loss of plasma volume) may be one of the most important of these. This study was designed to help understand the importance of rehydration formulas and different rehydration strategies in the maintenance of…