SPONSER® Hydration Preloader is a specially developed pre-performance drink designed to prepare you for competitions, events in hot weather and long training sessions. It provides electrolytes, particularly sodium, as well as carbohydrates and L-citrulline, making it ideal for preparing the body for high sweat loss.
What is plasma volume and which benefits does it offer athletes?
Plasma volume is the liquid part of blood, accounting for around 55% of its total volume. It consists mainly of water, proteins and electrolytes. Participation in endurance sports increases plasma volume, thereby boosting cardiovascular performance, improving thermoreulation and enhancing oxygen transport. As water constitutes a large proportion of blood plasma, its volume depends on nutrients and elements such as sodium, which have high water-binding capacity.
What specific advantages does increasing plasma volume offer?
Higher performance – a larger plasma volume leads to an increased total blood volume. This increases the heart’s stroke volume and improves VO2max.
Better cooling (thermoregulation) – those with a larger plasma volume have more water available for thermoregulation. This means that, when overheat, more blood can be directed to the skin to cool the body.
Improved endurance performance – when we are dehydrate, our blood becomes thicker over time. This means that the heart has to work harder to compensate for the increased viscosity. However, if you increase your plasma volume, your blood will remain thinner and your heart will not have to beat as often.
Well prepared at the start – a higher initial volume combined with sports drinks during exercise can compensate for sweat loss.
