Question

2. What would you expect to happen to plasma osmolarity after consuming each of these drinks? Explain why you expect an increase, decrease or no change in osmolarity.

1. Group 1 (water)

2. Group 2 (Gatorade / isotonic sports drink)

3. Group 3 (salty broth)

Answer 1

Osmolarity: The number of solutes present per litre of a solution is considered as Osmolarity.

Normal Osmolarity of blood is 280 to 300 mOs/Kg.

Group I Water :

Plasma osmolarity decreases on taking water and increases when the body is dehydrated.Human body has the capacity of controlling osmolarity.This osmolarity triggers antidiuretic hormone on taking water and stores more water in the kidneys and thus the urine becomes more concentrated.

Group II Isotonic Sports Drinks :

Most of the sports drink are isotonic that are equal to the concentration of blood that is 285 to 295 mmol/kg.All most all the sports drink have too much sugar for optimal hydration in the small intestines but lesser in large intestines.

Group III Salty Broth :

Excessive salt intake increases serum osmolarity.This helps for the best body mechanisms to happen in the body.But there can be some toxic effects due to salt.These can be decreased or avoided only on excessive intake of water.