The Science
Hydration is more than simply drinking water. During exercise, your body loses fluid and essential electrolytes through sweat, while working muscles demand a steady supply of energy. REAL Hydrate combines electrolytes and carbohydrates to help replace what is lost and support hydration before, during and after training.
1. Fluid loss begins
Sweating cools the body—but it also removes water and electrolytes.
Athletes commonly lose around 0.5–2 litres of sweat per hour, with even higher losses possible in hot conditions or intense sessions.
2. Dehydration increases strain
The less fluid available, the harder the body must work to regulate temperature and circulate blood.
A fluid loss of around 2% of body mass is associated with greater cardiovascular and heat strain and may reduce aerobic performance, particularly during prolonged exercise or in hot environments. For a 75 kg athlete, that is only 1.5 kg of body mass lost.
3. Electrolytes leave with sweat
Sweat is not simply water—it also contains minerals involved in normal body function.
Sweat sodium concentration can range from approximately 10–90 mmol per litre, meaning two athletes completing the same session can lose very different amounts of sodium and fluid.
4. Water absorption and energy work together
Sodium and glucose are absorbed together, they both assist water absorption.
Properly formulated carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions can enhance water absorption during exercise, while carbohydrates also provide fuel that becomes increasingly valuable as exercise duration rises.
