Sports drinks - How the Gators of Florida have impacted Tactical Athletes

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Sports drinks


Gatorade was first developed in the mid-1960s at the University of Florida.  At the time, the Gators football team was struggling with athletes becoming severely dehydrated and suffering from heat illnesses.  Despite drinking significant amounts of water, these football players continued to be negatively affected by exercising in the hot, summer heat.  As a result, University of Florida’s Dr. Cade developed the first sports drink, known as Gatorade.  The original Gatorade was water with added salt and sugar. 

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During exercise or strenuous activities, the human body breaks down carbohydrates (or sugars) for energy, and maintains a constant core body temperature by sweating.  Sweat essentially contains fluids and electrolytes (such as salt).  Gatorade was originally formulated to replace the fluids, electrolytes, and carbohydrates lost during exercise. 

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Since it was originally created in the 1960s, there has been a tremendous amount of research conducted on Gatorade.  The original formula Gatorade scientifically has the most appropriate ratio of water, electrolytes, and carbohydrates.  The amount of each of these is such that they are easily absorbed and utilized by the body.  Variations of sports drinks including sugar-free, low calorie, and even original Gatorade diluted with water defeats the purpose of a sports drink.  


What to look for in a sports drink

  • Water as the first ingredient on the food label
  • Carbohydrates or sugars
  • Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium

What to avoid in a sports drink

  • Protein
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Any “secrete formulas”

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Sports drinks should be consumed during strenuous, long-duration exercise or activity.  These are not a replacement for drinking plain water when not exercising or participating in strenuous activities.  They should also not serve as a meal replacement.  When properly utilized, as the science originally intended, sports drinks can help to decrease the risk of sustaining significant medical conditions including hyponatremia, dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and exertional heat stroke.


By:  J. Scott, DPT, ATC, CSCS, TSAC-F


Sources: https://science.howstuffworks.com

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