The Dehydration Crisis
A significant number of athletes—more than 50% across professional, collegiate, and youth sports—start their training sessions dehydrated (1). Alarmingly, studies have found that up to 66% of NCAA Division I athletes are dehydrated before they even begin practice (2).
Why is Hydration Critical?
Dehydration, or hypohydration, can severely impair athletic performance, reducing endurance by up to 50% (3). It can lead to: (4,5,6,7,8)
- Decreased muscle endurance and strength
- Reduced anaerobic power and capacity
- Impaired endurance exercise performance
- Cardiovascular stress
- Increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries
- Elevated cortisol levels
- Diminished visual sustained attention
- Potential short-term memory impairments
- Slower reaction times
Water + Sugar + Electrolytes – Is There A Better Option?
While water is the simplest hydration method, studies have shown that it alone is inadequate for the rapid recovery of lost body fluids (9). The vast majority of electrolyte formulas contain sugar, which poses a problem for those limiting their sugar intake or following a keto diet. Why not simply remove the sugar? Because sugar enhances water and electrolyte absorption. We’ve known for years that there are glucose-sodium (Na+) cotransporters in the small intestine that support the absorption of Na+ into the bloodstream (10). If sugar is an effective electrolyte transporter, the question becomes, is there an alternative to sugar that works as well or even better? YES!
Amino Acids: A Revolutionary Alternative To Sugar
At optimal dosages, specific amino acids activate the sodium-glucose pump – a critical pathway for transporting fluids and electrolytes from the digestive system into the bloodstream – without the need for sugars or carbohydrates (11,12). Countless studies have shown that key amino acids can effectively replace sugar for optimal fluid and electrolyte absorption (13,14). These studies have shown that specific amino acids are equal to, or often better than, sugar as a delivery mechanism and may also result in fewer gastrointestinal issues (15,16,17).
What Amino Acids Are Used in PROH2O Sugar-Free Electrolyte Drink Mix?
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L-GLUTAMINE: Proven to promote sodium and water absorption more effectively than glucose. It also helps reduce muscle damage, decreases exercise-induced ammonia, enhances muscle glycogen synthesis, and improves gut health (18, 29, 20, 21)
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L-ALANINE: Enhances the effects of glutamine-based ORS and matches glucose in efficacy (22, 23, 24, 25)
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GLYCINE: This conditionally essential amino acid is critical for many important metabolic functions; synthesis of creatine, glutathione, collagen, blood, DNA/RNA, and bile salts, to name a few (26). Glycine has also been shown to enhance hydration support (27, 28, 29, 30).
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BCAAs (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine): Known for boosting energy and reducing muscle damage during training, emerging research suggests they enhance cellular rehydration rates more effectively than traditional carbohydrate-based formulas. (31)
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TAURINE: An osmolyte (a substance that regulates fluid balance within cells) involved in cell volume regulation, cardiac and neurological health, and is commonly found in energy drinks (32).
Introducing PVL PROH2O™
The world’s first complete hydration drink mix using ATT™ (Amino Transport Technology) technology, offering a clinically-matched, sugar-free alternative that adheres to the World Health Organization’s ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) electrolyte standards.
Some electrolyte formulas are nothing more than water and sugar with fairy dust quantities of electrolytes. Some of these formulas don’t use scientifically validated levels or ratios of electrolytes. By contrast, PROH2O provides 4 key hydration advantages:
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CLINICALLY CORRECT – PROH2O is formulated based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for safe and effective oral rehydration (33)
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4X THE ELECTROLYTES – when compared to the leading electrolyte drink (34)
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CLEAN LABEL – No sugar/carbs, naturally sweetened, no artificial flavours, zero dyes
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AMINO TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGY™ – unlike leading selling brands that use sugar to transport electrolytes into the cells, PROH2O uses amino acids proven to do the same thing, and according to several studies, may be superior to sugar without fewer gastrointestinal issues. (35, 36, 37, 38) Avoiding sugar as a carrier mechanism allows diabetics or individuals doing keto or intermittent fasting to use this product freely.
EXPERIENCE SUPERIOR HYDRATION WITHOUT THE SUGAR!
PVL PROH2O is produced in a Health Canada licensed facility and is Informed Choice certified for banned substances.
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References
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2 Elias A, Padinjakara N, Lautenschlager NT. Effects of intermittent fasting on cognitive health and Alzheimer's disease. Nutr Rev. 2023;81(9):1225-1233. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuad021
3 Conde-Pipó J, Mora-Fernandez A, Martinez-Bebia M, et al. Intermittent Fasting: Does It Affect Sports Performance? A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2024;16(1):168. Published 2024 Jan 4. doi:10.3390/nu16010168
4 Zhang R, Noronha JC, Khan TA, et al. The Effect of Non-Nutritive Sweetened Beverages on Postprandial Glycemic and Endocrine Responses: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Nutrients.
5 Suez J, Korem T, Zeevi D, et al. Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota. Nature. 2014;514(7521):181-186. doi:10.1038/nature13793
6 Samuel P, Ayoob KT, Magnuson BA, et al. Stevia Leaf to Stevia Sweetener: Exploring Its Science, Benefits, and Future Potential. J Nutr. 2018;148(7):1186S-1205S. doi:10.1093/jn/nxy102
7 Kim BH, Joo Y, Kim MS, Choe HK, Tong Q, Kwon O. Effects of Intermittent Fasting on the Circulating Levels and Circadian Rhythms of Hormones. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2021;36(4):745-756. doi:10.3803/EnM.2021.405
8 Rd, J. K. M. (2024, January 12). 9 Potential intermittent fasting side effects. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-side-effects#dehydration
9 Riebl SK, Davy BM. The Hydration Equation: Update on Water Balance and Cognitive Performance. ACSMs Health Fit J. 2013;17(6):21-28. doi:10.1249/FIT.0b013e3182a9570f
10 Sumitra, L. K., M, S., & Aniruddha, G. (2025). HYDRATION STATUS AND ITS IMPACT ON COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE AND REACTION TIME IN YOUNG ADULTS: a COMPARATIVE STUDY [Journal-article]. International Journal of Academic Medicine and Pharmacy, 157–162. https://www.academicmed.org/Uploads/Volume7Issue2/33.%20%5B4805.%20JAMP_Mohamed%5D%20157-162.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
11 Harvie M, Howell A. Potential Benefits and Harms of Intermittent Energy Restriction and Intermittent Fasting Amongst Obese, Overweight and Normal Weight Subjects-A Narrative Review of Human and Animal Evidence. Behav Sci (Basel). 2017;7(1):4. Published 2017 Jan 19. doi:10.3390/bs7010004
12 Casa DJ, Armstrong LE, Hillman SK, et al. National athletic trainers' association position statement: fluid replacement for athletes. J Athl Train. 2000;35(2):212-224.
13 Human Kinetics. (n.d.). Dehydration and its effects on performance. https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/dehydration-and-its-effects-on-performance?srsltid=AfmBOopUsliqMB_t2wFqUWAP5Cfn_tl4VWR2TcPgeergXGyOu1-wtD3u
14 Masood W, Annamaraju P, Khan Suheb MZ, et al. Ketogenic Diet. [Updated 2023 Jun 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499830/
15 World Health Organization. Oral Rehydration Salts: Production of the New ORS. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-FCH-CAH-06.1
16 Bardhan PK, Das R, Nahar B, et al. Assessing safety and efficacy of a novel glucose-free amino acid oral rehydration solution for watery diarrhea management in children: a randomized, controlled, phase III trial. EClinicalMedicine. 2024;72:102630. Published 2024 May 17. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102630
17 Ofei, S.Y., Fuchs, G.J. Principles and Practice of Oral Rehydration. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 21, 67 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-019-0734-1
18 Wapnir RA, Zdanowicz MM, Teichberg S, Lifshitz F. Oral hydration solutions in experimental osmotic diarrhea: enhancement by alanine and other amino acids and oligopeptides. Am J Clin Nutr. 1988;48(1):84-90. doi:10.1093/ajcn/48.1.84
19 Cheuvront SN, Kenefick RW, Charkoudian N, et al. Efficacy of Glucose or Amino Acid-Based Commercial Beverages in Meeting Oral Rehydration Therapy Goals After Acute Hypertonic and Isotonic Dehydration. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2018;42(7):1185-1193. doi:10.1002/jpen.1142
20 Bardhan PK. Improving the ORS: does glutamine have a role?. J Health Popul Nutr. 2007;25(3):263-266.
21 Silva AC, et al. Efficacy of a glutamine-based oral rehydration solution on the electrolyte and water absorption in a rabbit model of secretory diarrhea induced by cholera toxin. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1998;26(5):513-519.
22 Ribeiro Júnior Hda C, et al. Alanine-based oral rehydration therapy for infants with acute diarrhea. J Pediatr. 1991;118(4 Pt 2):S86-S90.
23 Sazawal S, et al. Alanine-based oral rehydration solution: assessment of efficacy in acute noncholera diarrhea among children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1991;12(4):461-468.
24 McCormack WP, et al. Effects of l-Alanyl-l-Glutamine Ingestion on One-Hour Run Performance. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(6):488-496.
25 Bhattacharya SK, et al. Super ORS. Indian J Public Health. 1990;34(1):35-37.
26 Meléndez-Hevia E, De Paz-Lugo P, Cornish-Bowden A, Cárdenas ML. A weak link in metabolism: the metabolic capacity for glycine biosynthesis does not satisfy the need for collagen synthesis. J Biosci. 2009;34(6):853-872. doi:10.1007/s12038-009-0100-9
27 Nalin DR, et al. Effect of glycine and glucose on sodium and water adsorption in patients with cholera. Gut. 1970;11(9):768-772.
28 Hellier MD, et al. The effect of amino acids and dipeptides on sodium and water absorption in man. Gut. 1973;14(1):41-45.
29 Das R, et al. A double-blind clinical trial to compare the efficacy and safety of a multiple amino acid-based ORS with the standard WHO-ORS in the management of non-cholera acute watery diarrhea in infants and young children: "VS002A" trial protocol. Trials. 2022;23(1):706.
30 Nalin DR, Cash RA, Rahman M, Yunus M. Effect of glycine and glucose on sodium and water adsorption in patients with cholera. Gut. 1970;11(9):768-772. doi:10.1136/gut.11.9.768
31 Tai CY, et al. An amino acid-electrolyte beverage may increase cellular rehydration relative to carbohydrate-electrolyte and flavored water beverages. Nutr J. 2014;13:47.
32 Lambert IH. Regulation of the cellular content of the organic osmolyte taurine in mammalian cells. Neurochem Res. 2004;29(1):27-63.
33 World Health Organization. Oral Rehydration Salts: Production of the New ORS. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-FCH-CAH-06.1
34 PVL® PROH2O™ (taken 1 scoop per 250ml delivers 2480mg combined sodium + potassium per litre) which is 4.1x as much as Gatorade® (591ml RTD, which yields 596 mg combined sodium + potassium per litre).
35 Bardhan PK, Das R, Nahar B, et al. Assessing safety and efficacy of a novel glucose-free amino acid oral rehydration solution for watery diarrhea management in children: a randomized, controlled, phase III trial. EClinicalMedicine. 2024;72:102630. Published 2024 May 17. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102630
36 Ofei, S.Y., Fuchs, G.J. Principles and Practice of Oral Rehydration. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 21, 67 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-019-0734-1
37 Wapnir RA, Zdanowicz MM, Teichberg S, Lifshitz F. Oral hydration solutions in experimental osmotic diarrhea: enhancement by alanine and other amino acids and oligopeptides. Am J Clin Nutr. 1988;48(1):84-90. doi:10.1093/ajcn/48.1.84
38 Cheuvront SN, Kenefick RW, Charkoudian N, et al. Efficacy of Glucose or Amino Acid-Based Commercial Beverages in Meeting Oral Rehydration Therapy Goals After Acute Hypertonic and Isotonic Dehydration. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2018;42(7):1185-1193. doi:10.1002/jpen.1142
