DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF AN ISOTON IC BEVERAGE FOR ATHLETES

Within a research program on food products for athletes starting from natural apple concentrate, the design, manufacture and control of isot onic beverages, was undertaken. The dilution conditions for the apple concentrate were established studying several salts combinations which will supply those electrolytes that are eliminated through sweat and have to be replenished. They are sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesiu m and calcium in concentrations such as to supply an osmotic pressure similar to that observed in blood. The adition of a premix of vitamins (B-1, B-2, B-6, B-12, C, E, folic acid, niacin, panthotenic acid and biotin) in several levels of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) (10 0, 75, 62.5, 60 and 30% of the RDA) was assayed. The obtained formula tasted salty and medicine-like, therefore the vitamin content had to b e reduced, supplying 30% of the RDA in a premix constituted by those v itamins which are the most important for physical activity (B-1, B-2, B-6 and C). The quality of the formula was optimized considering varia bles such as flavor, color and maltodextrine levels by using methods o f sensory evaluation. In the elaborated beverage controls such as pH, acidity, total solids (degrees Bx), relative density and soluble solid s/acidity ratio complying with the corresponding standars, were carrie d out. In addition, chemical composition, caloric value, microbiologic al and sensory quality, were controled. The fruit juice was packed in a 250 mi autosupporting Doy pack-like bag. Both, microbiological and s ensory duality were good, and the caloric value was 101.18 Kcal/250ml. Shelf life studies at two diifferent temperatures conditions 15-25 de grees C and 3-5 degrees C, were carried out. The Limiting factor was f lavor which defined a shelf life of at least 3 months, storaged at ref rigeration temperature (3-5 degrees C). The formulated beverage supply the electrolyte concentrations which allows to be characterized as is otonic beverage, recommended for athletes.