Regarding beverages for fluid replacement, which statement is correct?

Regarding beverages for fluid replacement, which statement is correct?

• A. Beverages with less than 4% alcohol content do not dehydrate active people
• B. Beverages with more than 4% alcohol are recommended
• C. Alcohol content has no impact on dehydration
• D. Alcohol-free beverages always hydrate better

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how alcohol content in drinks affects fluid balance after activity. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production by suppressing antidiuretic hormone. The lower the alcohol content, the smaller that diuretic effect, so a beverage with less than 4% alcohol still provides fluids without causing significant net fluid loss for an active person. This is why it’s considered not to dehydrate in the context of short-term hydration needs. In contrast, beverages with higher alcohol content tend to promote more urine loss, which undermines fluid replacement and can worsen dehydration after exercise. Saying alcohol-free beverages always hydrate better isn’t accurate because hydration depends on the drink’s total fluid volume and its electrolytes, and some alcohol-free drinks can be high in sugar or caffeine, which can influence fluid balance differently. So the best statement reflects that low-alcohol drinks contribute to hydration without causing meaningful dehydration, while higher-alcohol drinks are not suitable for rehydration.

The key idea is how alcohol content in drinks affects fluid balance after activity. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production by suppressing antidiuretic hormone. The lower the alcohol content, the smaller that diuretic effect, so a beverage with less than 4% alcohol still provides fluids without causing significant net fluid loss for an active person. This is why it’s considered not to dehydrate in the context of short-term hydration needs.

In contrast, beverages with higher alcohol content tend to promote more urine loss, which undermines fluid replacement and can worsen dehydration after exercise. Saying alcohol-free beverages always hydrate better isn’t accurate because hydration depends on the drink’s total fluid volume and its electrolytes, and some alcohol-free drinks can be high in sugar or caffeine, which can influence fluid balance differently.

So the best statement reflects that low-alcohol drinks contribute to hydration without causing meaningful dehydration, while higher-alcohol drinks are not suitable for rehydration.