Sports drink

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A sports drink is a beverage designed to help athletes rehydrate, as well as replenish electrolytes, carbohydrates, and other nutrients, which can be depleted after training or competition. Electrolyte replacement promotes proper rehydration, which is important in delaying the onset of fatigue during exercise. As the primary fuel utilized by exercising muscle, carbohydrates are important in maintaining exercise and sport performance.[1][2]

Contents

[edit] Overconsumption

Companies who market sports drinks point out the fact that plain water, despite its association with good health, can actually be toxic if consumed in large amounts (cf. water intoxication). This can happen because overconsumption of water reduces levels of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium in the body by dilution, interfering with the nervous system.

While overconsumption of water is the primary cause, a number of other factors may also play a role in the development of water intoxification. Although sports drinks contribute sodium to the blood, it is important to note that sodium concentration of sports drinks is lower than that of the blood, so zealous overdrinking of sports drinks could also eventually result in dilution of blood sodium concentration. [3]

[edit] Categories of sports drinks

Sports drinks can be split into three major types.[4]

  • Isotonic sports drinks contain proportions of water and other nutrients similar to the human body, and typically are six to eight percent sugar.
  • Hypertonic sports drinks contain a lesser proportion of water, and a greater proportion of sugar, than the human body.
  • Hypotonic sports drinks contain a greater proportion of water, and a lesser proportion of sugar, than the human body.

Most sports drinks are isotonic, and have between 13 and 19 grams sugar per an eight ounce serving.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Casa, D.J. (2000). "National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement: Fluid replacement for athletes". J. Athl. Train (35): 212–224. 
  2. ^ Sawka, M.N. (2007). "American College of Sports Medicine position stand: Exercise and fluid replacement". Med. Sci. Sports Exerc (39): 377–390. 
  3. ^ Gardner, J.W. (2002). "Death by Water Intoxication". Military Med (5): 432–434. 
  4. ^ Sports energy drinks: pros and cons of drinking them
Brands of Sports drinks  v • d • e 

10-K - 100plus - Accelerade - All Sport - Aquarius - Cera Sport - Gatorade - Lucozade - Pocari Sweat - Powerade - Propel - Sporade - Staminade