Salt Intake, Hydration Status and Gastrointestinal Discomfort During Fasting
Condition: Healthy
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study is part of a hyperhydration project and it has been designed based on a scoping
      review (Hyperhydration in healthy adults: a scoping review on different methodologies and
      vehicles utilized) and a previous study (Dietary patterns and gastrointestinal discomfort
      during Ramadan in a UK Muslim population). The current study aims to examine the impact of
      different levels of salt intake (6 & 9 grams) with [15 milliliters per kilogram of bodyweight
      (ml/ kg/ bw)] of water intake during 7 hours of dry fasting compared to a control group (3g
      salt) under the state of water balance (euhydrated). A previous study and a review by the
      authors highlighted the potential negative impact of salt and fasting on gastrointestinal
      (GI) discomfort; hence, the potential negative side effects on gastrointestinal (GI)
      discomfort during the intervention period will be investigated. By studying a hyperhydration
      protocol, this research will help the population to reduce dehydration during dry fasting. By
      doing so, it may improve the quality of life during Ramadan fasting.
    

Detailed description: 
      Dry fasting has been reported to cause changes in body weight, lipid profile, blood pressure,
      glucose level, metabolism, hormones homeostasis, and hydration status. A scoping review by
      the investigators highlighted that dehydration had been linked to changes in plasma volume
      and osmolality (concentration of all chemical particles), urine volume and osmolality, blood
      pressure, glucocorticoid hormones, body weight loss, negative impact on mood, irritability,
      short-term memory, and work productivity. It has been reported that prolonged dry fasting can
      contribute to a loss of up to 1.5 kg in body weight on the day after fasting. This weight
      loss is associated with loss of body water.

      Hyperhydration (overhydration) has not yet been defined. However, any improvement in the
      fluid matrix in the plasma volume is considered hyperhydration. Simulating hyperhydration
      strategies, such as those used by athletes competing in long-distance events and in hot
      environments, has the potential to reduce the level of dehydration during dry fasting.

      Sodium and water intake have essential roles in maintaining and improving the fluid matrix in
      plasma. By investigating the relationship between sodium and water intake on biomarkers such
      as urine sodium concentration, blood pressure, speed of urine production, urine colour, urine
      specific gravity, and net body fluid balance, it is possible to distinguish the impact of
      hyperhydration protocols on hydration levels.

      The primary aim of this study is to examine the impact of salt intake (6 & 9 g/l) on the
      level of hydration by measuring urine sodium, urine potassium, urine production, and changes
      in body weight compared to the control group during 8 hours of dry fasting. The secondary
      outcome of this study will be the impact of the hyperhydration protocol on GI discomfort.
    

Intervention name(s): Salt 3 g; Salt 6 g; Salt 9 g
Intervention type(s): Other; Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Placebo group taking a breakfast meal and 3g salt on tomatoes before fasting for 7 hours; Intervention group taking a breakfast meal and 6g salt on tomatoes plus 1 L water before fasting for 7 hours; Intervention group taking a breakfast meal and 9g salt on tomatoes plus 1 L water before fasting for 7 hours
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single (Participant)
Primary purpose: Basic Science