Confused by all the different sports drinks currently available? Not sure what is meant by the terms ‘isotonic’, ‘hypotonic’ and ‘hypertonic’? Want to know how to check whether you are dehydrated? This brief guide from Team Nutrition answers your questions.

The primary purposes of fluids consumed before, during and after exercise are to:

  • Replace sweat loss i.e. add electrolytes.
  • Supply a source of carbohydrate that can supplement the limited stores of glycogen in the muscles and liver. 
  • Reduce the problems associated with dehydration i.e. increased heart rate, increases in body heat and loss of fluids.
electrolyte replacement
Taste free electrolyte replenishment drinks
 
low carb energy drinks
 
high carb energy drinks
 
protein recovery drinks