Gatorade is a specially formulated beverage created to replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes lost during physical activity. The Gatorade formula is based on a 6 percent solution that delivers 14g of simple sugars per serving for fast digestion and absorption. Gatorade products do not contain any stimulants or gluten and are safe for children.
History
Gatorade started in 1965 after assistant University of Florida football coach Dwayne Douglas assembled a team of researchers to determine why so many of his players suffered from heat-related illnesses during a game. The researchers (Drs. Robert Cade, Dana Shires, H. James Free and Alejandro de Quesada) concluded that the fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat were not being replenished fast enough during the game, causing poor performance. The researchers returned to their lab and formulated a precisely balanced carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage to replace the fluids lost by players.
Product Information
Based on the original research, Gatorade products are made with a 6 percent carbohydrate solution and comes in more than 30 fruit-based flavors. According to the official website, the solution and flavoring, "provides an appealing taste profile when exercising, is rapidly emptied from the stomach and absorbed by the intestine, and delivers performance-enhancing energy to active muscles." As of 2010, the carbohydrate source for all Gatorade products will be a mix of sucrose and dextrose.
Gatorade products also include sodium, potassium and chloride to replenish the electrolytes lost through sweat.
Nutrition Data
Each 8-ounce serving contains 50 calories, 110mg of sodium, 30mg of potassium, 14g of carbohydrates, no protein and no fat.
Usage
While the formula for Gatorade was created to meet the needs of athletes during intense physical activity, it is safe to consume at any time.
Shaking the bottle before drinking is recommended to redistribute any flavor oil that may have settled to the bottom of the container. After opening, Gatorade will say fresh for about four days if refrigerated. If left unopened, Gatorade has a shelf life of nine months.
Diluting Gatorade with water is not recommended. Doing so reduces its effectiveness by changing the taste and reducing the carbohydrate/electrolyte concentration.
Special Considerations
According to the official website, Gatorade may benefit diabetics by preventing hypoglycemia following physical activity and preventing dehydration by replenishing fluids lost through urination.
Gatorade is also safe for children, but is not a substitute for milk or pediatric re-hydration solution for persistent diarrhea.
Consult your physician before adding Gatorade to your, or your child's, diet.
Gatorade is a kosher product.
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