Isotonic sports drinks

Isotonic sports drinks are referred to those drinks which contain similar amount of carbohydrates and electrolytes in comparison to human body. An isotonic drink should have a sodium concentration ranging from 460 to 1150 mg L-1 and up to 8% carbohydrates.

Bodily hydration during sporting activity is one of the best indicators of health in athletes1, and can be a limiting factor for sporting performance. Prolonged performance requires optimum access to micronutrients and fluid, which the body loses through sweating.

Dehydration decreases the athletic performance and can suppose a risk to health when competitions are conducted under temperature stress.

By drinking isotonic sports drinks, it quickly replaces fluids lost through sweating and supplies a boost of carbohydrate. These drinks are the preferred choice for most athletes, including middle and long-distance running or those involved in team sports.

Among the popular isotonic sport drinks: Gatorade, Gatorade Endurance, Staminade, Powerade ION4.
Isotonic sports drinks