Potassium is the major electrolyte within all cells. It helps to balance fluid in the body by having a strong relationship with sodium, the major electrolyte in the blood and outside of the cells. Most people do not get enough potassium and consume too much sodium.4 Orange juice is a good source of potassium. An 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice provides 10%of the recommended Daily Value for potassium, similar to a large banana.*5
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is essential in the regulation of muscle contraction, cardiac excitability, blood pressure, and other vital processes.6 Orange juice can contribute to magnesium intake with an 8-ounce glass having 6% of the recommended Daily Value for magnesium.*
Calcium is found in fortified varieties of orange juice. Calcium has many functions in the body including playing an important role in muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and the contraction and relaxation of the cardiovascular system.7 Fortified orange juice is an excellent source of calcium providing 30% of the recommended Daily Value, similar to an equal serving of milk.5*
Age/Gender | Daily Total Fluid Requirements (from food and beverages) | Daily Water Needs from Beverages and Drinking Water |
---|---|---|
1-3 years | 6 cups | 4 cups |
4-8 years | 7 cups | 5 cups |
9-13 years | 9-10 cups† | 7-8 cups† |
14-18 years | 10-14 cups† | 8-11 cups† |
Adult males | 16 cups | 13 cups |
Adult females | 12 cups | 9 cups |
Pregnant women | 13 cups | 10 cups |
Breastfeeding women | 16 cups | 13 cups |
The human body comprises of approximately 75% water, which makes up approximately 60% of an adult’s body weight.2
Most people can maintain adequate hydration by drinking when thirsty and eating a healthy diet.10 However, both underhydration and overhydration (due to lack of electrolytes by overconsuming pure water) can impair performance, particularly in athletes.10 Individuals may benefit from fluids with carbohydrates and/or electrolytes during extensive periods of exercise, and beverages that appeal to taste preferences may encourage individuals to drink.10 Thus, orange juice may be a good choice to support hydration.
A recent study by Maughan and others reported 100% orange juice positively affected several measures of hydration.1 Compared to many other beverages, including water and sports drinks, participants consuming orange juice had lower urine output and a higher net fluid balance at various timepoints after consumption. In this study, orange juice ranked among one of the highest beverages on a beverage hydration index scale together with oral rehydration solutions and milk. Furthermore, net potassium balance was highest with orange juice and milk consumption.
One hundred percent orange juice is a viable alternative for post-exercise rehydration and recovery. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences11, 26 healthy young adults drank approximately 8 ounces of 100% orange juice, a sports drink or water following 80 minutes of cycling over each of 5 days. Post-exercise, 100% orange juice contributed to hydration equally as well as water and a sports drink, received positive palatability ratings, and was able to satisfy thirst while helping to achieve or maintain hydration following exercise without causing gastrointestinal distress.
*Values based on a 2000 calorie diet. FDA rounding rules applied when calculating percent DV based upon 2018 rules. Information is not intended for labeling food in packaged form. Nutrient values may vary based on brand or product types.
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