ACSM Clarifies Hydration Recommendations for Athletes

Why Athletes Shouldn't Rely on Thirst for Fluid Replacement Needs

A senior African American Man enjoying refreshing water after a workout

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How much water should an athlete drink during exercise? Is thirst an accurate predictor of hydration needs?

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) released a statement addressing the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report that set dietary intake levels for water, salt, and potassium and added that athletes and other active people have higher fluid replacement needs. Below is text from the original press release from the ACSM:




The report also makes mention of active people avoiding excessive fluid consumption which may, in the extreme, result in hyponatremia. While hyponatremia is a rare occurrence, it is a dangerous condition that may arise when athletes drink too much water, diluting the body’s sodium levels. It is most often seen in prolonged endurance athletes, such as those participating in marathons and triathlons. ACSM's current hydration guidelines address this threat in addition to the more commonly occurring dehydration problem and provide recommendations that can help prevent both health hazards for the athlete. Generally, persons participating in prolonged or strenuous physical activity (including both exercise and occupational settings) should continue to heed current hydration guidelines. Water and sports drinks are not dangerous to athletes when consumed as recommended – in volumes approximating sweat losses. Water, in particular, quenches the sensation of thirst before body fluid replacement is achieved, so thirst should not be the only determinant of how much fluid is consumed under such conditions.



ACSM's Position Stand, Exercise and Fluid Replacement, is the fourth official statement addressing fluid replacement guidelines and recommendations for fluid ingestion and the prevention of heat injury during exercise.

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