By OWEN BAUTISTA-ALCARAZ
Walk the streets of Japan and at every corner you’d see them in PET bottles, on display in vending machines. Then, ask anyone around what’s their most preferred health drink, rest assured that they’d give just one name. Now if that’s not enough to prove that POCARI SWEAT ranks number one in its homeland (and is receiving steady number of patrons in the Philippines), I don’t know what would.
The tougher question though is: why is it so?
In a recent six-day trip to Osaka through the gracious invitation of Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Co., Ltd. (OPC), makers of Pocari Sweat, Filipino doctors and print journalists (this writer included) were treated not only to a cultural and traditional experience in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ but as well as an educational awareness of the company’s legacy that has spanned more than 80 years.
OTSUKA RISING
Established in 1921 by Busaburo Otsuka in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture, Otsuka group built a strong reputation in the area of intravenous solutions widely used in hospitals all over Japan. In 1964, OPC was founded as a sales company at first and soon after established its own factory in 1970. With the objective of developing new pharmaceutical products, Otsuka set up its own research and development division the following year.
Akihiko Otsuka, OPC chairman and president, and a second generation Otsuka, in his determination to go global by 1980 gave the laboratory an English motto: ‘80 World Famous Otsuka.’ From the beginning, the company had its sights to make its presence recognized in the global market. Today, Otsuka is a worldwide business expanding in the United States, Europe and all over Asia.
In the Philippines, the company was formally known in 1997 as Otsuka (Philippines) Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OPPI). It was introduced and promoted in the country in 1985 via a joint venture between Otsuka and Marsman & Co., Inc. (MCI) in 1985 and under Metro Drug Inc. in 1996.
"Official operations of OPPI began in January of 1998 with 65 employees, composed mainly of medical representatives deployed nationwide promoting Otsuka products, namely, Meptin (Procaterol), a bronchodilator; Mikelan (Carteolol), a beta-blocker; Aminoleban Injection and Aminoleban EN (Amino acids) for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy and Nutritional supplement for liver failure patients; and Pletaal (Cilostazol) an antiplatelet agent," relates Hirofumi Inoue, OPPI president and general manager.
"Over the years of its incorporation, OPPI continues to grow despite many economic and political issues. In 2003, OPPI launched Mucosta (Rebamipide), a cytoprotective agent indicated for the treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcer. The following year, to address the concerns of many patients taking Aminoleban EN, Aminoleban ORAL was launched. Aminoleban Oral offers the same nutritional value as the Aminoleban EN, more affordable with palatable taste amino acid enteral solution," he adds.
Hirofumi further narrates, "In October 2005, OPPI launched its blockbuster antipsychotic drug Abilify (Aripiprazole). August 2006 marked the entry of Firebird, a drug eluting stent. OPPI is continuously growing and this year it entered the consumer market with its isotonic drink Pocari Sweat."
BETTER THAN WATER
Despite being introduced in the Philippines very recently, sports enthusiasts are no longer unfamiliar with Pocari Sweat. For quite sometime, it was commonly found in specialty stores run mostly by Koreans. Not surprising though, since Pocari Sweat is enjoyed in 14 other countries around the globe including Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and yes, Korea. The OPPI’s decision to market it directly is welcome news to Filipino consumers.
"Pocari Sweat is a mild tasting, refreshing drink which replenishes body fluids lost through perspiration. It is quickly absorbed into the body. Thus, it is recommended as a beverage for physical activities such as sports and exercise," says Apollo Casuga, OPPI consumer division product manager.
He continues, "The most notable thing about Pocari Sweat is what’s inside the product. Aside from water, Pocari Sweat also contains electrolyte minerals such as Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and most notably, Calcium which leading isotonic beverage does not have. The body loses these electrolytes during perspiration. It is not enough to drink water alone because these electrolytes should be replenished to prevent spontaneous dehydration."
According to Dr. Gener Becina, chairman of the Department of Pediatric Medicine from the National Children’s Hospital, "Spontaneous dehydration happens when the body loses water and electrolyte supply through perspiration. As body fluids decrease, a person has a tendency to drink water to quench the thirst. But drinking water won’t be able to replace the lost electrolytes which are as important."
"Without these electrolytes, the body will be filled with excess water that will only be excreted through urination. After which, the body will again lack required fluids. No matter how much water a person drinks, it will not be able to replace lost minerals. It’s the quality of the drink that is more important rather than the quantity," Dr. Becina adds.
Thirst is a signal given by the body to detect lack of water content inside the body. If it becomes hot, the body sweats a lot in order to stop the rise in body temperature. Interestingly, the amount of sweat that the human body perspires is greater than most people would imagine. Working out, hot weather, sleeping, hot bath, fever, diarrhea, hangover and even long travels can cause the body to lose ions needed by the body.
THE ECONOMY CLASS SYNDROME
Commonly referred to as the "Economy Class Syndrome", Deep-Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot (thrombosis) that forms in the deep vein system of the lower leg – usually between the ankle and the upper calf. The condition is serious, potentially fatal, and very difficult to diagnose by external examination. Symptoms, if they occur, might include muscle tension in the lower leg, a dull ache or sudden painful tear, or a cramp in the calf with swelling and elevated body temperature.
Symptoms rarely occur, though, since the clot formation may develop very rapidly, detach from the wall of the vein and move through the blood stream before anyone recognizes what’s happening. The clot may travel through the veins and lodge in the heart or more likely in the lungs, resulting in sudden death. If the clot remains lodged in the legs, very serious damage may occur to the vein, or even to the leg’s entire venous system. Clots can cause tissue damage, skin lesions, ulceration, and possibly removal of the limb.
"A blind study was conducted involving 40 participants en route to Moses Lake, USA from Narita, Japan in a nine-hour, non-stop flight. Half of the participants were given Pocari Sweat while the other half was given mineral water as beverage. After the experiment, all the participants had their blood viscosity level measured and it was found out that the group who had Pocari Sweat maintained better blood flow," Casuga reveals.
He adds, "Water and electrolytes are physiologically suited to the body. The content of Pocari Sweat is similar to that of our own body fluids. It contains just the right amount of electrolytes that we lose when we perspire. It is also gentler to our bodies and is more easily absorbed than ordinary water. Therefore, we conclude that it helps in relieving cramps as a result of muscle inactivity due to long travels. It improves the blood circulation by providing the right hydration in the blood vessels."
BETTER THINGS TO COME
"OPPI was established with the aim of becoming a global value-creating company that can make a difference in the healthcare of Filipinos. This is consistent with our global philosophy of ‘Otsuka – people creating new products for better health worldwide," states Hirofumi.
More is expected to come from Otsuka. Having visited Pocari Sweat factory, its Human Resources Development Institute, and the Wajiki factory, all situated in Tokushima where everything began for OPC. Anytime soon, another healthy consumer product will be launched.
"Soyjoy, fruit soy bar is a baked nutrition bar made from hulled soybeans and fruit. Soyjoy made without any wheat flour, delivers the natural goodness of ample soybean protein, isoflavone and dietary fiber," introduces Casuga.
Originally available in four flavors – raisins and almond, cacao and orange, apricot, and hawthorn – other countries such as Korea and Taiwan have it in mango coconut and apple. It is a perfect meal replacement for weight-conscious people and those who are trying to maintain their beautiful figure. As defined by nutritionists, 80kcal is equal to one dietary unit. Soyjoy allows easy conversion for people controlling their calorie intake.
"By creating products that help cure illnesses, improve and sustain everyday health, OPPI seeks to contribute to the attainment of a richer, healthier livelihood for Filipinos and everyone around the world," Hirofumi concludes.
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