On the basis of studying the problems and experimental data of athletes training in hot environments, we designed an athletic drink choosing actinidia sinensis planch (ASP), also known as kiwi fruit, as the basic component, and assessed its effects in athletes both at site of training and in the laboratory. The main results were as follows: (1) In athletes riding on a Monark ergometer (maintaining HR at 150 beat/min), the work time to exhaustion was longer (149 +/- 3 min vs 120 +/- 1 min), and the work load was larger (947 +/- 36 KJ vs 833 +/- 28 KJ) when supplementing the ASP drik than when they drank the placebo, P less than 0.01) (2) Supplements with the ASP drink expanded the blood volume of athletes. Hematocrit increased significantly after exercise in athletes consuming placebo, but no significant changes were found in those consuming the ASP drink. (3) The ASP drink which contained 5% carbohydrate maintained the blood glucose concentration of athletes at a normal level even when training lasted more than 2.5 hours and without noticeable effect on plasma insulin levels. (4) Supplement of small amount of multi-minerals in the ASP drink helped to decrease the mineral level changes in serum and sweat after intensive training, but it did not cause kaliemia or affect urinary output. (5) Data on urinary vitamin C content indicated that the vitamin C status of athletes supplementing the ASP drink improved. The ASP drink is not only effective but also fragrant, tasty, refreshing and thirst quenching, and it appears to have no side effects.