Briefly describe the characteristics that the ideal sports drink should possess

Answer 1

There are many factors to consider when choosing a sports drink. The ideal beverage should leave the digestive tract rapidly and enter circulation, where it is needed. Carbohydrate solutions don't all empty from the stomach at the same rate. The drink should contain at least 4 percent but no more than 8 percent carbohydrate by volume. Drinks containing more than 10 percent carbohydrate, such as sodas, fruit juice, Kool-Aid types of drinks, and some sports drinks, take longer to absorb. Some can cause cramps, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. Drinks with less than 4 percent carbohydrate may not offer an endurance-enhancing effect. Drinks using a blend of glucose polymers - short chains of carbohydrate - and fructose leave the stomach at the same rate as water, speeding the availability of the carbohydrate and water to working muscles.