Question

1. Sodium is an important electrolyte for athletes along with hydration. Given the extreme conditions that are found in Hawaii for this event, describe the role of sodium plays to ensure maintain an athletes hydration status. Explore any absorption issues that endurance athletes may face during the event along with the effects of over-hydration.

What is the general sodium recommendation for endurance athletes?

Answer 1

The recommended daily intake for normal human beings is 1500 mg with maximum being 2300 mg. However, an athlete that sweats about 2400 ml per hour, a heavy sweater is losing about 3600 mg of sodium in three hours. Thus, its necessary to take high sodium diets which is under 2300 mg per day

• Athletes sweat between 400-2400 mL per hour of exercise, on average 1200 mL per hour;