The need to adequately restore degenerated glycogen (storage form of glucose) stores, along with lost fluids and electrolytes has been identified through experience and scientific results to be vitally important to performance. Supplementing these substances, both before and during performance can dramatically enhance the sporting outcome. For optimal re-hydration practices, fluid preparations for sportsmen and women must contain the essential electrolytes (Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Chlorine (Cl), Magnesium (Mg)), in appropriate concentrations and ratios...
The need to adequately restore degenerated glycogen (storage form of glucose) stores, along with lost fluids and electrolytes has been identified through experience and scientific results to be vitally important to performance. Supplementing these substances, both before and during performance can dramatically enhance the sporting outcome. For optimal re-hydration practices, fluid preparations for sportsmen and women must contain the essential electrolytes (Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Chlorine (Cl), Magnesium (Mg)), in appropriate concentrations and ratios. In addition, to avoid an early depletion of blood glucose and muscle glycogen stores, it is recommended to add a mixture of carbohydrates with both rapid and prolonged absorption rates (glucose, sucrose, fructose) in order to provide the body with sufficient energy stores necessary to fuel performance. Sports beverages can be categorised into three groups: Hypertonic (>300mOsm/l), Isotonic (=300mOsm/l), and Hypotonic (<300mOsm/l). Osmolarity is a measure of solute concentration; the unit of measurement (Osm) indicating the osmotic pressure applied by a fluid compared to a reference fluid. The osmolarity measurement provides information relating to the rate of gastric emptying and to the effort required by the body to absorb a solution. The substances present in the fluid determine the energy that will be provided, the insulin response, the re-hydration capacity, and the gastric emptying speed. The ideal sports drink to consume during performance for an athlete must provide a reasonable supply of energy, generate a reasonable insulin response, have high re-hydration capacity, and a rapid gastric emptying and intestinal absorption rate.