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
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.
The differences in the rate of intestinal fluid absorption between an ion supply drink and water were compared using rats.
We investigated whether the consumption of an ion supply drink is effective for enhancing the recovery of plasma volume following exercise-induced dehydration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We investigated the preventive effect of prehydration with an ion supply drink on the nasal mucociliary clearance under low relative humidity conditions.
We investigated whether the carbohydrates in an ion supply drink contribute to body fluid retention during recovery from exercise-induced dehydration.
