AKALI Clinical Study 1

A double-blind clinical study was performed on the hydrating effects of AKALI® at the Movement Science/Human Performance Laboratory, Montana State University and published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. It was hypothesized that rehydration would occur faster and more completely from the consumption of AKALI® as compared to a placebo water (Pepsi’s Aquafina® brand) following a bout of intense exercise. The results were astounding.

For the study, a group of elite cyclists rode at 75% of their maximum power in a warm, humid environment until they recorded 2.5% weight loss. The athletes then moved to a cooler, less humid environment and consumed the weight of water they had lost during the ride within 30 minutes. The water retention rate was very different for the two waters. Akali was 79.2% retained while Aquafina was only 62.5% retained at the end of three hours. It demonstrated that 1.27 times as much Akali water was retained versus Aquafina.

Study conclusion: Akali rehydrates faster and more thoroughly. Abstract available at:

http://www.jissn.com/content/6/S1/P9

© 2009 Heil and Seifert; licensee BioMed Central Ltd

“The Akali is definitely rehydrating people faster and more completely when they’re dehydrated following exercise…” Dan Heil – Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology Montana State University

“It contains a number of minerals that are condusive to rehydration… and properties that we see with rehydration.” John Seifert – Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology Montana State University

“Everybody in that race suffered some dehydration issue – almost everybody… except us.” Robyn Benincasa – Champion Elite Adventure Racer, Founder of Project Athena

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Alkalinity vs. High pH

Alkalinity and alkaline (= pH above 7) are not the same. Alkalinity is a measure of the buffering capacity of water – its ability to resist changes in pH. The pH is an indication for the acidity of a substance. It is determined by the number of free hydrogen ions (H+) in a substance. Alkalinity and pH are related to each other as two different measurable parameters of water. In mineralized water, alkalinity rises sharply as pH is raised.

However, alkalinity does not depend strictly on pH. For example, ionized water may have high pH (= alkaline) but has little ability to neutralize acid in the stomach to initiate the production of bicarbonate in the bloodstream. Alkaline ionizer promoters equate acid-neutralizing ability with high pH, but ionized water does not deliver sufficient alkalinity to make a biological difference. On the other hand, Lemon juice is around pH 2 (acidic) but its nutritional matrix provides high alkalinity in body.

Alkalinity is the true measure of acid-neutralizing capacity which includes the bicarbonate (HCO3^-1), carbonate (CO3^-2) and hydroxide (OH^-1) ions. It is measured in mg/l or ppm as CaCO3 (of the amount of acid – e.g., sulfuric acid – needed to bring the water sample to a pH of 4.2).

When is the optimal time for AKALI® to be consumed?

AKALI® can be consumed at any time ideally on an empty stomach.  However, the beneficial effects will be different depending on when AKALI® is consumed.  If AKALI® is consumed prior to vigorous energy expenditure; it tends to buffer the body’s natural acid/base balance i.e. the elimination of acidic byproducts such as lactic acid.  If AKALI® is consumed during vigorous energy expenditure; it tends to impart increased endurance.  If AKALI® is consumed after vigorous energy expenditure; it tends to help with rehydration.

How does AKALI® help eliminate lactic acid?

Lactic acid (C₃H₆O₃) is a chemical compound produced during normal metabolism and exercise.  Lactic acid (C₃H₆O₃) is ionized in the blood stream and tissues to form lactate ions (CH₃CH(OH)COO⁻), which are then combined with sodium ions (Na⁺) or potassium ions (K⁺) and excreted into the urine by the kidneys.  AKALI® does not specifically remove acidic byproducts such as lactic acid, but instead buffers or adds to the body’s natural acid/base balance, which removes acidic byproducts produced during normal metabolism and exercise.

How does AKALI® compare to other sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade?

Gatorade and Powerade are products that contain carbohydrates, electrolytes, proteins, and/or vitamins depending on the particular product line.  These products are designed to provide energy in the form of disposable calories, replenishes electrolytes expended during workout, rehydrates, and promotes muscle recovery. 

AKALI is mineral-rich glacier water with high alkalinity designed to buffer the body’s natural acid/base balance, which increases endurance allowing athletes to perform for a longer period of time and more efficiently rehydrate the body following workouts. 

All of these products have different formulations and are designed to perform different functions.  Therefore, comparing one product to another would be like comparing apples to oranges.  Consumers should choose products based on which would suit them better in their workout regime, nutritional needs or lifestyles.