Nasa has patented an electrolyte concentrate formula that reportedly maintains and restores optimal body hydration levels quickly and conveniently. The agency says its formula has been used by astronauts during missions for nearly 20 years and has been tested in controlled clinical environments on Earth. It was developed to counter dehydration, helping to prevent the loss of body fluids during heavy exercise, heat exposure and illness.
Nasa’s Ames Research Center in California has licensed the patented rehydration formula to Boulder, Colorado-based Wellness Brands, which plans to launch its first electrolyte concentrate brand called ‘The Right Stuff’ in June 2009.
John Greenleaf, a former Ames research scientist and inventor of the formula, said: “We developed the rehydration formula to perform optimally under the most extreme conditions. The health of our highly trained astronauts was paramount. With all that Americans and the government have invested in the space programme and our astronauts, this is one clear way to protect and maximise that investment. And now the general public will benefit from this research as well.”
Nasa claims that the novel electrolyte formula contains a specific ratio of key ingredients, sodium chloride and sodium citrate, for rapid restoration of hydration. These electrolytes, dissolved in water, optimise the levels of sodium ions in the body. The beverage is an isotonic formulation that restores both intra- and extracellular body fluid volumes in dehydrated astronauts, athletes and others.
Sweetened with Sucralose and packaged in single-serve, convenient 16.5ml plastic twist-off top vials, The Right Stuff is available in two flavours, in boxes of three or 10.
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