Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are a functional beverage product that help people hydrate before, during and after vigorous exercise. Sports drinks can provide nutrients and quickly replenish electrolytes and carbohydrates lost during physical activity or exposure to high temperatures.


Ingredients

SPORTS DRINKS MAY CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS.

Potassium and Sodium
Types of electrolytes, which are salts that conduct electricity and are found throughout our bodies. Electrolytes are essential to proper hydration and can be diminished as a result of dehydration caused by exercise or overheating.

Carbohydrates
The main source of energy in the human body. Our bodies break down carbohydrates during the process of metabolism to release energy.

Vitamins
Nutrients required for essential metabolic reactions in the body. Vitamins can act both as catalysts and participants in those reactions.

Water
Base of sports drinks.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Nutritive (caloric) sweetener.

Low-calorie sweeteners
Used in place of full-calorie sweeteners and sugars, these add sweetness without calories. There are five major low-calorie sweetener approved for use in foods and beverages in Canada and the United States:  acesulfame potassium (ace-K), saccharin, aspartame, sucralose and neotame.

Citric Acid
A flavoring agent.

Natural and Artificial Flavors
Commonly used in many sports drinks to enhance taste.