Rehydration

Ion supply drink research lab

Otsuka's nutraceutical business products, designed to help people maintain their daily health, are developed at the Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute. Below, we provide information on the work conducted at the lab, including the main findings of our research related to ion supply drinks.

Product development through scientific research

Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute - Otsuka's Research Center for Nutraceuticals

With a holistic approach to healthcare, Otsuka Pharmaceutical seeks to be a comprehensive healthcare company that can help treat specific illnesses while also promoting better health for everyone. After establishing its first drug research institute in 1971, Otsuka has since expanded its pharmaceutical research facilities. In 1984, the Saga Research Institute was established as a facility to develop Otsuka's business in the field of nutraceuticals*, the products of which are designed to contribute to people's daily health. The facility has grown, and is now called the Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute.

  • *Nutraceuticals: nutrition + pharmaceuticals

This research facility was the first private institution in Japan to conduct research into exercise and nutrition. Since being established, scientists have carried out numerous research projects and subsequently developed a range of new products, based on this combination and backed by science. These products include FIBE-MINI, which was developed based on the discovery of the importance of dietary fiber, which at that time was not considered to be an essential part of a healthy diet. Other products resulting from research at the institute are energen, a product that supports the body's energy supply during sustained exercise, and Jog Mate Protein Jelly, a food designed for the reliable, well-timed and efficient intake of protein.

The Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute brings together a diverse group of researchers from across the world, each specializing in areas of exercise and nutrition. The institute also cooperates with universities and outside research institutions, and shares research findings at academic conferences and in published scientific journals. Through this, Otsuka seeks to share information and contribute to the improvement of the health of all.

Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute

Research areas

Currently the Saga Nutraceuticals Research Institute is carrying out research in the following two categories.

1New product development related to nutrition and exercise
Developing new research-based products from a medical and illness-prevention perspective, to provide ideal nutrition solutions that correspond to the individual's nutritional situation and age.
2Adding more value to existing products
Research continues to be carried out on the many ways that Otsuka's existing nutraceutical business product lines can be improved or expanded.

Research progress on bodily fluid replacement using an ion supply drink

Changes in body fluid volume and its composition during heavy sweating and the effect of fluid and electrolyte replacement

We investigated what changes occur in the degree of involuntary dehydration and body fluid composition after ad libitum consumption of an ion supply drink or consumption of water.

Sports medicine and biochemistry related to two sports drinks

The differences in the rate of intestinal fluid absorption between an ion supply drink and water were compared using rats.

The effect of ingestion of an electrolyte-sugar drink on recovery from dehydration

We investigated whether the consumption of an ion supply drink is effective for enhancing the recovery of plasma volume following exercise-induced dehydration.

Changes in blood volume following administration of oral rehydration solutions

We investigated what changes occur in blood volume after the injection of solutions with different compositions of sodium and glucose by continuously measuring blood volume in rats.

Effects of hydration on fluid balance and lower-extremity blood viscosity during long airplane flights

We investigated whether the consumption of an ion supply drink could prevent the decline in plasma volume and the increase in blood viscosity during an actual long distance international flight.

Changes in plasma volume and blood viscosity during a 4-hour period sitting in a dry environment: The effects of prehydration

We investigated whether prehydration with an ion supply drink could prevent the decline in plasma volume and the increase in blood viscosity that occurs during prolonged sitting in a dry environment.

Rehydration after bathing: Comparison between a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage and water

We investigated whether the consumption of an ion supply drink could facilitate the recovery of the plasma volume and blood viscosity following bathing-induced dehydration.

Effects of a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage on blood viscosity after dehydration in healthy adults

We investigated whether an ion supply drink could attenuate the increase in blood viscosity following exercise-induced dehydration. The effectiveness of water and tea was included for comparison purposes.

Effect of prehydration on nasal mucociliary clearance in low relative humidity

We investigated the preventive effect of prehydration with an ion supply drink on the nasal mucociliary clearance under low relative humidity conditions.

Enhanced renal Na + reabsorption by carbohydrates in beverages during restitution from thermal and exercise-induced dehydration in men

We investigated whether the carbohydrates in an ion supply drink contribute to body fluid retention during recovery from exercise-induced dehydration.

Search related keywords

Other Focus Areas