When your body sweats during exercise, you not only lose water; your sweat also includes electrolytes (sodium) that need to be replaced for optimal fluid balance and performance. Years ago, water was the only fluid replacement option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.|
Then, in the 1960s, medical researchers at the University of Florida developed the first ''sports beverage'' to help the school's student athletes stay hydrated while also replacing nutrients and energy during a game. It contained water, glucose, sodium, chloride and potassium. The Florida Gators aptly named their drink Gatorade, and the business of refueling with enhanced beverages has never been the same since.
Beyond the original Gatorade, sports drink options abound these days in a variety of flavors and nutrient profiles. But how do you know which (if any) is right for you?
Who Needs a Sports Drink?
As training and performance demands can vary greatly for different people—as can the amount any individual sweats during a given activity--there is no single correct answer as to who only needs water and who needs a sports drink. Other considerations include the demands of the sport, the duration, the climate and environment, clothing and equipment requirements, and one’s fitness level and body composition.
For most general exercisers, water is the most appropriate choice since the average person isn't losing copious amounts of electrolytes and generally doesn’t need additional fuel (carbohydrates/calories) to complete his or her workout. However, a sports drink can significantly benefit and should be used by the exerciser or athlete who:
Choosing the Right Sports Drink
When selecting a sports drink, consider the following nutrients. (Note: As some sports drink formulas can cause upset stomach and digestive distress, it is very important to try out a sports drink during training to see how your body responds prior to using the product during a race or competition.)
What about Sugar?
The source of the carbohydrates in sports drinks is one form of sugar or another. Sugar serves two purposes in sports drinks: It improves the taste of the drink, but more importantly, it also supplies quick-digesting carbohydrates that your working muscles need for prolonged exercise. The carbs in sports drinks are often found in the form of glucose, glucose polymers, sucrose, fructose, galactose and/or maltodextrin. Some research suggests that sports drinks offering a blend of carbohydrates, rather than a single source may improve the rate at which carbohydrates reach the muscles as fuel, since different types of carbohydrates are absorbed through slightly different bodily processes.
To avoid excessive sugar consumption, caloric sports drinks should only be consumed by exercisers who need the added benefit of quick-digesting carbohydrates (sugar) during endurance events. Note: Choosing a sugar-free or low-carb ''sports drink'' in order to save on calories, carbs or sugar will not provide extra energy for endurance events, but may be a fine solution for people who only need the hydration and electrolytes.
Energy-Boosting (Endurance) Sports Drinks that Also Hydrate
The following examples of sports drinks meet the nutrition recommendations for hydration, electrolyte replacement and carbohydrates/energy needed to fuel endurance exercise. Nutrients listed are based on a single 8-ounce serving of each drink. (Keep in mind most bottles contain more than one serving.)
Hydrating Sports Drinks for Shorter Duration Exercise
Lower-calorie sports drinks contain too few carbohydrates and calories to boost energy or performance during endurance events. However, they do contain water and therefore hydrate the body.
Most fitness waters and vitamin-enhanced flavored waters contain too few carbohydrates to improve performance during endurance events, and/or too little sodium and potassium. These drinks also contain a variety of vitamins such as vitamins C, E, B-6, B-12, niacin, and pantothenic acid. These added nutrients are probably not a danger, but generally don't provide added benefit since they are easily obtained in foods.
Coconut water is often marketed as a more natural alternative to typical sports drinks. However, the nutrient content is highly variable. Coconut water contains far less sodium and carbohydrate and significantly greater amounts of potassium than well-researched sports drinks. While coconut water is safe to consume for the healthy adult, further studies are needed to determine if coconut water has any benefits for endurance athletes. Recent reports are saying that coconut water is no better than plain old water when it comes to hydration.
Use the chart below to see how lower-calorie sports drinks, including vitamin waters and coconut water, compare nutritionally. Nutrients listed are based on a single 8-ounce serving of each drink. (Keep in mind most bottles contain more than one serving.)
Many different types of athletes can benefit from the use of a sports drink that contains the appropriate amount of carbohydrates, sodium and potassium to help improve hydration and athletic performance. Ultimately, listen to your body, consume sports drinks according to the training guidelines above, and stay hydrated!