Origin
Gatorade was developed at the University of Florida in the 1960s. Researcher Robert Cade found that football players experienced a chemical imbalance in their bodies caused by fluid loss associated with profound sweating. Taking measurements from players during football games, Cade found that their electrolytes were out of balance and that their total blood volume and blood sugar were low. In response, Cade and his colleagues developed a drink designed to replace not only lost fluid but also salt and sugar. The drink became known as Gatorade, named after the University of Florida's football team. Gatorade is the largest selling sports beverage brand.
Ingredients
Electrolytes are necessary for hydration and muscle function, and are lost along with fluids when people sweat. The key electrolytes in Gatorade are sodium, potassium, and chloride. Gatorade flavors are designed to be light to encourage adequate consumption of fluids without being overwhelming. A small amount of brominated vegetable oil is used in Gatorade to help keep flavor oils distributed evenly. Gatorade is sweetened with sucrose and high fructose corn syrup, which contains glucose and fructose. These three carbohydrates aid fluid absorption and energy delivery while contributing to taste. Gatorade is a 6 percent carbohydrate beverage. Research has shown that a 6 percent carbohydrate solution is emptied rapidly from the stomach and absorbed by the intestine, and helps deliver energy to muscles during exercise. Gatorade's low osmolality (a measure of the number of particles in a solution) also aids in its absorption. There is no caffeine or gluten in Gatorade. Fruit juice is not used in Gatorade because it contains fructose in amounts that may slow gastric emptying and result in stomach upset if consumed during exercise. Gatorade contains approximately half of the calories of fruit juices and ordinary soft drinks. Gatorade is artificially colored and is not kosher.
Benefits
According to several scientific studies cited on the Gatorade website, hydrating with Gatorade rather than water can improve physical performance, including speed and endurance. In addition to its use by athletes and others during physical activity, Gatorade is useful for people with medical conditions associated with dehydration, including diarrheal diseases and diabetes. In addition, Gatorade may have benefits for physically active patients with diabetes by providing carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia during exercise. Gatorade is safe for consumption by children, and may be useful in cases of dehydration.
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