Gatorade Nutrition

Gatorade is a sports drink that provides calories in the form of carbohydrates as well as small amounts of some minerals. Unless otherwise noted, all values below are for 8 oz. of regular Gatorade. Values may vary slightly for each flavor, G2 low calorie versions and Endurance versions. Dietary Reference Intake percentages are for adults 50 and younger. Percentages may differ for children, teens and older adults.

Calories

One 8 oz. serving of Gatorade contains 50 calories. All of these calories come from 14 g of carbohydrates. There are 14 g of sugar --including 5.3 g of glucose and 4.4 g of fructose--in one serving of Gatorade. Gatorade also contains smaller amounts of sucrose, lactose and maltose.

Protein and Fat

Gatorade does not contain any protein, amino acids or fat. It also is free of cholesterol.

Minerals

While most of the minerals in Gatorade are present in only trace amounts, one serving does provide 28 percent of the DRI for fluoride. Fluoride stimulates the formation of new bone and inhibits the formation of cavities. One serving of Gatorade also supplies 1 percent of the DRI for potassium and 5 percent for sodium. Potassium and sodium assist with fluid balance in the body. These two minerals are also essential for muscle contraction and regulation of your heartbeat.

Water-soluble Vitamins

Gatorade also contains small amounts of some water-soluble vitamins, which are vitamins that cannot be stored in the body. One serving provides 4.2 percent of the DRI of vitamin B6, 3.8 percent of niacin, 2.7 percent of pantothenic acid and 2.5 percent of riboflavin. One serving provides less than 1 percent of the DRI for vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, choline and vitamin B12.

Fat-soluble Vitamins

Gatorade contains none of the fat-soluble vitamins A, E or D. One serving also contains less than one percent of the DRI of vitamin K.

Special Versions of Gatorade

The G2 version of Gatorade contains less calories--20 total--carbohydrates--5 g total--and sugar--5 g total--than the regular version of Gatorade. Gatorade Endurance provides greater amounts of minerals than regular Gatorade, with one serving supplying 11 percent of the DRI for potassium and 7 percent of the DRI for sodium.