Abstract
Objective
To assess the quality of information currently available to the public about hydration needs during exercise.
Methods
Internet searches were conducted using the terms “hydration,” “hydration guidelines,” “drinking fluids,” and “drinking guidelines” with “and exercise.” From the first 50 websites for each search phrase, duplicates were removed, yielding 145 unique websites. Websites were then categorized and examined for specific information and recommendations.
Results
Overall correct endorsement of current knowledge was as follows (reported as percent endorsing the concept relative to the number of sites addressing the issue): some weight loss should be expected during exercise (67.6% of 102), fluid consumption during exercise should be based on thirst (9.4% of 106), electrolyte intake is not necessary during exercise (12.5% of 112), dehydration is not generally a cause of heat illness (6.9% of 58) or muscle cramping (2.3% of 43), exercise-associated muscle cramping is not generally related to electrolyte loss (6.7% of 15), and overhydration is a risk for hyponatremia (98.5% of 65). There were 7.1% (of 70 websites addressing the issue) indicating that any weight loss during exercise should be avoided. Comparison of website information from those in the categories of medical or scientific organization (15.9%), academic institution (9.0%), peer-reviewed publication (8.3%), and medical professional individual or facility (8.3%) with those in the categories of media (19.3%), sports organization or coach (9.7%), sports drink or electrolyte replacement manufacturer (3.4%), and other (26.2%) revealed no differences (P = .38 to 1.0) in the frequency of endorsement of the criteria referred to above.
Conclusions
Misinformation about hydration needs during exercise continues to be widely spread on the Internet. In general, those websites that should be most trusted by the public appear to be no better than other websites at providing accurate information, and the potential risk of hyponatremia is not often raised.