For most active people, Gatorade is often touted as the official sports replenishment beverage. The beverage has gained its reputation through celebrity endorsements and enticing packaging and coloring, but its ingredients are largely unknown. We do know that it hydrates effectively and many appreciate the vivid packaging and inspiring slogans.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup is used in Gatorade to provide carbohydrates. It is a source of glucose and fructose. Sucrose is another sugar that provides an additional carbohydrate source. All of these are found in different amounts in the product. Gatorade officials state the specific amount of each is determined by research that shows they contribute to the body's ability to quickly absorb fluids and be readily available for use as energy.
Electrolytes
The most important electrolytes used in the Gatorade are sodium, potassium and chloride. Since perspiration causes you to lose essential electrolytes, Gatorade is designed to replace those lost during activity. Each serving contains 110mg of sodium, 30mg of potassium and 93mg of chloride.
Artificial Colors
Each of Gatorade's beverages gain their vivid hues from artificial colorings that are all deemed safe for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Company officials assure consumers that the least possible amount is used to simultaneously maintain safety and flavor.
Brominated Vegetable Oil
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is added to Gatorade to improve its flavor. Because the levels used are low, the additive is not known to add any calories to the overall caloric value of the drink.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is not vitamin C. On the contrary, it is a naturally occurring acid used as a preservative in many foods and beverages. Its use also provides a slightly tart taste that might balance flavor in sweetened products.
Water
Water is the beverage's foundation. Water is the most predominant ingredient of in Gatorade. Gatorade officials acknowledge that hydration is simply a matter of replenishing water to the body, yet, the sports beverage helps to replace additional minerals lost during activity and provide additional energy from other sources.
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