Coconut Water
What is Coconut Water?
Coconut water can be a great natural alternative to electrolyte beverages such as Gatorade or Pedialyte, while also packing in anti-inflammatory benefits.
Coconut water is a great beverage to help replenish and maintain normal mineral levels in the body such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and more.
Although coconut water is most known for its electrolyte content, it also has benefits beyond hydration such as its anti-inflammatory effects and potential prevention of kidney stones. [3],[7]
Coconut water is available in most grocery stores as a packaged beverage, inside fresh young coconuts, and also as a dried powder. All are a great option, however, fresh is typically best as it may contain a higher amount of electrolytes.
Many brands will add additional sugar and/or preservatives to coconut water so it is best to buy brands that only contain coconut water as an ingredient.
Nutrient Breakdown
Coconut water is a great source of:
Sodium
Chloride
Our Favorite Coconut Water Brands
Harmless Harvest
Vita Coco
Zico
Coconut Water Alternatives
If your child doesn’t like coconut water yet or they are sensitive to them, here are some alternatives that are similar in nutritional value!
Watermelon juice
Mineral water
Electrolyte drink mix like Redmond Real Salt Re-Lyte Electrolyte Powders
Use code AUTISMRD for 15% off all Redmond Products
Food Reactions
The body can respond to foods in many different ways including food allergies, food sensitivities, or food intolerances. If you suspect a food reaction, you can either choose to avoid the food or seek food reaction testing. Click here more information on the difference in types of food reactions and testing options.
DISCLAIMER: Always consult with your pediatrician and/or your Registered Dietitian to help you test for a food reaction or to aid you in making individualized dietary changes.
Coconut Water & Autism in the Research
There are no current studies on coconut water and autism, however, there are interesting studies looking at coconut water and the minerals found in it that could be beneficial for those with autism.
Coconut Water and Kidney Stones
Oxalates are a natural compound found in plant foods such as leafy green, legumes, and more. Oxalates are not an issue for everyone, however, those with autism may be at higher risk for high levels of blood and urine oxalate levels.
Children with ASD demonstrated 3-fold greater plasma oxalate levels and 2.5-fold greater urinary oxalate concentrations compared with controls in one study. [1] You can read more about oxalates and ASD here.
Oxalates along with calcium and other compounds can combine in the urine to form crystals. Crystals stick together to make stones that can be deposited in the kidney.
In one rat study, researchers found that coconut water inhibited crystal deposits in the kidney, as well as reduced the number of crystals in urine. [2]
Another small study looking at coconut water and its effect on hydration found that coconut water increased the excretion of minerals that may be involved in crystal formation. Meaning that coconut water may help keep the likelihood of developing kidney stones low. [3]
Coconut Water and Rehydration
Researchers set out to look at the difference in rehydration status of 8 healthy male volunteers after a workout comparing coconut water, plain water, and a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage. [4]
Various measures to assess rehydration were used such as blood volume, glucose levels, and mineral status.
Compared to plain water and the carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage, coconut water post-workout resulted in a better restoration in blood volume and plasma glucose levels.
Coconut water was found to be significantly sweeter, caused less fullness, nausea and no stomach upset compared to the other two beverages. It was also easier to consume in a larger amount.
Coconut water is also a natural reservoir of minerals that can become depleted after a rigorous workout or sweating such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, and more.
Coconut Water and Inflammation
Inflammatory markers have emerged as potential candidates in the cause of autism and some symptoms associated with ASD. Cytokines, which are immune signaling molecules that play a role in the inflammation process are being investigated to play a role.
Although cytokines are typically associated with negative effects such as inflammation, there are cytokines that are anti-inflammatory. These work by halting inflammation in the body.
Patients with ASD have been found to have not only higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines but also low levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines which reduce inflammation in the body. [5-6]
Young and mature coconut water has been found in research to have anti-inflammatory effects. Some of this is due to coconut water’s flavonoid profile. Flavonoids are plant compounds that have been shown to inhibit the production of some inflammatory compounds such as prostaglandins. [7]
Coconut water has also been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-histamine properties (histamine is a chemical in the body that is responsible for causing many of the symptoms of allergies). Both of which help explain its anti-inflammatory effects. [7]
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[1] Konstantynowicz, J., Porowski, T., Zoch-Zwierz, W., Wasilewska, J., Kadziela-Olech, H., Kulak, W., Owens, S. C., Piotrowska-Jastrzebska, J., & Kaczmarski, M. (2012). A potential pathogenic role of oxalate in autism. European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society, 16(5), 485–491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpn.2011.08.004
[2] Gandhi, M., Aggarwal, M., Puri, S., & Singla, S. K. (2013). Prophylactic effect of coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) on ethylene glycol induced nephrocalcinosis in male wistar rat. International braz j urol : official journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology, 39(1), 108–117. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2013.01.14
[3] Patel, R. M., Jiang, P., Asplin, J., Granja, I., Capretz, T., Osann, K., Okhunov, Z., Landman, J., & Clayman, R. V. (2018). Coconut Water: An Unexpected Source of Urinary Citrate. BioMed research international, 2018, 3061742. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3061742
[4] Saat, M., Singh, R., Sirisinghe, R. G., & Nawawi, M. (2002). Rehydration after exercise with fresh young coconut water, carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage and plain water. Journal of physiological anthropology and applied human science, 21(2), 93–104. https://doi.org/10.2114/jpa.21.93
[5] Saghazadeh, A., Ataeinia, B., Keynejad, K., Abdolalizadeh, A., Hirbod-Mobarakeh, A., & Rezaei, N. (2019). Anti-inflammatory cytokines in autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cytokine, 123, 154740. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154740
[6] Saghazadeh, A., Ataeinia, B., Keynejad, K., Abdolalizadeh, A., Hirbod-Mobarakeh, A., & Rezaei, N. (2019). A meta-analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokines in autism spectrum disorders: Effects of age, gender, and latitude. Journal of psychiatric research, 115, 90–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.05.019
[7] Rao, S. S., & Najam, R. (2016). Coconut water of different maturity stages ameliorates inflammatory processes in model of inflammation. Journal of intercultural ethnopharmacology, 5(3), 244–249. https://doi.org/10.5455/jice.20160402120142
Authors
Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
Blayne Andrews, Dietetic Intern
