Fate of ingested fluids: factors affecting gastric emptying and intestinal absorption of beverages in humans

The volume of fluid ingested for rehydration is essential in determining the restoration of euhydration because it must be in excess of the water lost since the individual was last euhydrated. The formulation of any ingested beverage is also important as this affects the rate at which the fluid is emptied from the stomach, absorbed in the small intestine, and hence assimilated into the body water pool. This review highlights the essential role of the gastrointestinal tract in the maintenance of hydration status.