Beers and Their Effects on Thirst

Abstract

Reports results of an examination of the differing extent to which various beers enhance thirst, and therefore possibly encourage repeated consumption. Describes a novel methodology for estimating the impact of beer consumption on thirst; the resulting evidence shows that some beers make consumers significantly more thirsty than others. Discusses two possible explanatory hypotheses to explain the differential effect on thirst of various beers, i.e. the effect on thirst could be mediated by diuresis; or it could be a direct function of the levels of any of sulphur dioxide, bitterness, ethanol, mannitol, sodium and potassium. Provides evidence to indicate that none of those factors, by themselves, were sufficient to account for the observed differences. Establishes the existence of a significant phenomenon, but its explanation remains to be located.

Citation

Thomas, K. and Millstone, E. (1993), "Beers and Their Effects on Thirst", British Food Journal, Vol. 95 No. 1, pp. 11-15. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070709310023422