What Are the Effects of Gatorade?

Gatorade originated with the Florida Gators football team with the goal of hydrating players who lost fluids from sweating. According to studies conducted by Vanderbilt University, Gatorade facilitates fluid absorption more quickly than ordinary water. The drink also replaces potassium and sodium lost in athletes by strenuous sports activity, restoring electrolyte balance. The carbohydrates in Gatorade, sucrose and glucose-fructose, replace lost sugars and provide energy.

Rapid Rehydration

• Gatorade contains salt and a 6 percent carbohydrate level. This particular proportion of carbohydrate to electrolyte promotes rapid fluid absorption and results in rapid rehydration.

  When athletes work out, a volume of fluid is lost from blood, specifically from serum. Less blood volume causes the heart to beat faster and to pump the remaining blood with more pressure. Gatorade, by facilitating rapid rehydration, lowers heart rates and blood pressures more than ordinary water does.

  The sodium in the drink works to preserve and maintain body fluids, whereas water and coffee increase urination and promote water loss. The salt in Gatorade not only enhances flavor, it balances with the citric acid to maintain a proper pH level. This in turn encourages more fluid intake.

Electrolyte Balance

• Sweat depletes an athlete's strength, energy and endurance. It is the electrolytes of sodium and potassium which are lost in sweat that upset the delicate chemical balance needed for optimum athletic performance.

  Gatorade replaces these electrolytes, restoring electrolyte balance to the body. The drink prevents an upheaval in the chemical balance within athletes which could incapacitate them during play.

Carbohydrate Replacement

• When athletes play rigorous sports they lose glucose, a nutrient needed to keep up their energy.

  There are two carbohydrates in Gatorade. Two sugars, sucrose and glucose-fructose, provide energy to athletes that plain water cannot. These carbohydrates enable players to work harder and longer and feel better than if they drank water.

  Limited to 6 percent of the drink, Gatorade's carbohydrates also encourage rapid fluid absorption. If the carbohydrates reach levels higher than 7 percent, absorption is slowed. Gatorade, therefore, has a healthier effect on athletes and promotes athletic performance better than fruit juices and other sports drinks which exceed this level.