Gatorade was created to improve the performance of athletes. It was inspired by and named for the University of Florida Gators football team. The team was playing poorly due to dehydration and the loss of important electrolytes. Gatorade was formulated to replace the fluids, electrolytes and carbohydrates lost during exercise, and it helped the Gators turn their losing season around. Gatorade has become increasingly popular among athletes and active people of all types since its invention in 1965.
The Molecule
Glucose is a monosaccharide: a single molecule sugar. Monosaccharides provide short-term energy storage, which is ideal during exercise. Glucose is the smallest and most readily available form of energy; more complex carbohydrates are broken down into glucose during digestion. Using glucose as the primary carbohydrate allowed the creators of Gatorade to ensure that the athletes using the drink could refuel quickly.
Functions
Strenuous physical exercise that lasts more than one hour elevates your epinephrine, cortisol, glucagon and growth hormone levels. The presence of these hormones is accompanied by fatigue. Consuming some form of simple carbohydrate during exercise (such as glucose) can delay the onset of fatigue by reducing hormone secretion. It also helps to maintain blood sugar levels and reduces the need to use storage forms of energy, such as liver and muscle glycogen and free fatty acids.
Concentration
Gatorade is formulated as a 6 percent carbohydrate sports drink. This means that for every 100 mL of fluid, there are 6 grams of carbohydrates present. All the carbohydrates in Gatorade are from sugar. According to Gatorade's nutrition facts label, there are 14 grams of carbohydrates per 8 oz. (240 mL) serving, which is equal to a 6 percent concentration. The American College of Sports Medicine says that the carbohydrate concentration of an energy drink consumed during exercise should be less than 10 percent.
Osmolality
Osmolality defines the number of particles present in a fluid. When humans consume a beverage, osmolality has an effect on how the fluid is absorbed. Gatorade is specifically formulated to have an osmolality that is slightly greater than that of human blood. It is the glucose concentration that determines the osmolality. The fluid in Gatorade is more easily absorbed than that of fruit juices or other sugary drinks because of its low osmolality. Drinks with a high osmolality can cause an upset stomach with exercise.
References
- GSSI: Sports Science Library: Carbohydrates, Hormones, and Endurance Performance; J. Mark Davis, et al.; 2001
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Glycemic Index of Popular Sport Drinks and Energy Foods; Randall J. Gretebeck, et al.; 2002
- Gatorade: Frequently Asked Questions: Science and Nutrition
