“Conclusion

In general, low-alcohol beer seems to be more efficacious when individuals are looking to quickly rehydrate postexercise. Adding Na+ to alcoholic beer may improve its rehydration properties, but there may be tradeoffs related to palatability. These conclusions are largely based on studies that standardized beverage volume, and the results may not apply to situations where people ingest fluids and food in an ad libitum fashion. When choosing a beer higher in alcoholic content postexercise (>4%), it is wise to pair it with nonalcoholic rehydration options to mitigate alcohol-induced diuresis, particularly when exercise-induced fluid losses are large. Nonalcoholic, polyphenol-rich beer has been observed to provide respiratory protection following a marathon, suggesting it could be a strategy for preventing respiratory infections during heavy training. Chronic changes in body composition, as well as muscle performance, adaptation, and recovery, seem largely unaffected by moderate beer consumption.”