Information on Loughborough

milk is the new sports drink

Posted on 08/08/2007
P. Klein

Researchers at Loughborough University may have struck the first blow against sports drinks manufacturers such as Lucozade and increased the popularity of milk with athletes.

Researchers from Loughborough Universitys School of Sports and Exercise Sciences found that their human guinea pigs in a trial remained hydrated after drinking skimmed milk. However they  remained dehydrated after drinking sports drinks or water.

Sports performance is directly related to how hydrated a person is so this is an important finding.

Dr Susan Shirreffs of Loughborough University said: "The results of the study are really exciting as they show skimmed milk to produce a significant improvement in re-hydration compared to the other drinks evaluated in the study. As dehydration can have an impact on performance, it is essential to re-hydrate in preparation for subsequent exercise in order to help maximise ones abilities.

Commenting on the research, Judith Bryans, director of The Dairy Council, said: "This study joins the growing volume of literature which suggests that skimmed milk is a natural and effective post exercise recovery aid. Drinking milk is not only a valuable way to re-hydrate the body but also provides an excellent source of energy, protein and a vast array of different vitamins and minerals essential to the good health of hardworking sportspeople and the population as a whole."

One wonders how long it will be before we see pints of skimmed milk being handed out to competitors at athletics events in future!