Got hypohydration? Sweating out body fluids during exercise without taking in enough liquid results in this dehydrated condition, which can lay even the strongest athletes low during a game. Gatorade G, the top-selling sports drink in America, was formulated to combat hypohydration. Pro and pleasure athletes alike depend on it for fluid and electrolyte refills before, during and after workouts.
History
Gatorade G was originally called Gatorade Thirst Quencher, after the University of Florida (UF) Gators football team for whom it was developed in 1965. Hypohydration is more disabling for those who are active in the heat. Medical researchers at UF pinpointed the football players’ needs for fluid and nutrient replacement in the hot climate. Word about Gatorade products quickly spread. The sports drink was first embraced by university and professional sports teams and then by the consumer public.
Features
The main ingredients of the original Gatorade G were water, sugar, natural flavoring, salt and monopotassium phosphate. Acids, salts, gums and oils were used to balance pH and thicken or stabilize the formula. All current Gatorade products are free of caffeine, cholesterol and carbonation. Additional Gatorade series drinks address different physical demands with additives such as enhanced carbohydrates and electrolytes, milk protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
Benefits
Gatorade Thirst Quencher was scientifically formulated to be an effective soluble blend of electrolytes and carbohydrates. During sports or high activity, the body uses up energy (calories) and loses water and salt electrolytes (sweat). Replacing nutrients through a sports drink keeps the body functioning at top gear; waiting until hypohydration sets in puts an athlete at risk for heat stress. Researchers at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute proved that drinking Gatorade products helped athletes perform better than mere water hydration. An 8-oz serving has 50 calories, less than an equal-sized serving of soda or fruit juice.
Misconceptions
Those who believe that water is the superior sports drink shortchange the body’s engine and cooling system. Just as a driver adds fuel and coolant to a car, an athlete can “feed” his body’s high-speed mechanisms. Gatorade does contain high-fructose corn syrup, but at 14 g of carbohydrates, one serving of the beverage represents only 5 percent of the daily value (DV) of sugar. Sodium can also be a problematic ingredient if consumed to excess. Original Gatorade, at 110 mg of sodium, also delivers only 5 percent DV of salt.
Types
The Gatorade G family includes a variety of flavors and vitamin blends added to the original formula. Among these are Bring It, Shine On, Be Tough and No Excuses. Its “diet” formula, G2, has half the calories and less sugar than the original. Other Gatorade products include Performance, a high-carb energy drink, and Endurance, a high-electrolyte stamina builder.
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