The quantification of plasma deuterium enrichment has previously been validated for qualitative assessment of fluid delivery [8 (
link),14 ]. Based on both sample size power determination (G*Power 3, Dusseldorf) and cost, it was deemed that only 7 participants were required for assessment of fluid delivery. Prior to the oxidation trial, an intravenous 20 gauge cannula was inserted by a qualified phlebotomist into an antecubital vein for 7 of the participants, to allow repeated blood sampling. Sample lines were kept patent after each blood collection with a 2 ml isotonic saline flush (0.9% sodium chloride saline, Baxter, Norfolk, UK).
Participants received 5 g of deuterium oxide (
2H
2O, Sigma Aldrich, Dorset, UK), included in the beverage administered at 60 minutes, for assessment of fluid delivery. Blood samples were collected in 10 ml
Vacutainer tubes, containing sodium fluoride/K
3EDTA as an anticoagulant (Beckton Dickinson, Plymouth, UK), at 15 minute intervals from the 60 minute time point into the oxidation trial. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma
2H
2O enrichment via equilibration (Europa 20–20 continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry) by an independent laboratory (Iso-Analytical Ltd., Crewe, UK). Indwelling cannulas were removed at the end of the oxidation trial.
Roberts J.D., Tarpey M.D., Kass L.S., Tarpey R.J, & Roberts M.G. (2014). Assessing a commercially available sports drink on exogenous carbohydrate oxidation, fluid delivery and sustained exercise performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 11, 8.