Can sports drinks really achieve its claimed efficacy? Which of the sports drinks are better? What is to note when choosing sports drinks? Maybe we have all encountered the above questions before. Let us now explore these questions together.

With our increasing pursuit of better health, it is our belief that since sports drinks contain electrolytes and a lower sugar content, they must be a better choice than soft drinks, which are considered to have zero nutritional value. However, before we buy sports drinks, do we really understand their effectiveness and nutritional value? There are many different kinds of sports drinks on the market. Drinks with or without sugar, drinks containing electrolytes, vitamins and even caffeine all claim to be sports or energy drinks. Whether these drinks are used for replenishing water and energy during exercising or as leisure drinks, consumers must choose carefully. If consumers do not pay close attention to the ingredients and nutritional label, they may never obtain the desired results. Some sports drinks even mislead consumers on their nutritional labels; on one hand, they claim to have no sugar and no calories, but on the other hand, they claim themselves to be energy sports drink. How can a sports drink with no calories provide energy? This is a question worth thinking about.

Essential requirements for sports drinks

About 4-8g of carbohydrates per 100ml

This concentration best suits the replenishment of water and energy in the body, as too high a concentration of carbohydrates can negatively effect water replenishment.

About 40-50g of sodium per 100ml

Drinks with small quantity of sodium can effectively replenish the sodium lost through sweating.

Non-carbonated

Carbonates can lead to bloating. Drinking excessive carbonated beverages while exercising will decrease the urge to drink and cause gastric discomfort.

Non-caffeinated

Caffeine has a diuretic effect and drinks with this ingredient are therefore unsuitable for replenishing water.