Gatorade: Benefits And Side Effects Of Ultimate Hydration Drink

Gatorade, a beverage created to help a small football team, is now the most popular sports drink worldwide. But is Gatorade good for you? Well, Gatorade was created to help replace the fluids and electrolytes lost during intense physical activities. Unlike regular drinks, it quickly hydrates the body and restores important nutrients, making it perfect for athletes and people who exercise for a long time. This sports drink is also said to improve athletic performance and endurance. However, its high sugar content may cause some negative effects. So, who should consume it? What are all its ingredients? Are there any side effects associated with it? This article answers all your questions about Gatorade. Keep reading.

Did You Know?

Gatorade was invented in 1965 by a group of scientists to tackle dehydration suffered by football players at the University of Florida. The drink gets its name from the sports team of the university, Florida Gators.

Health Benefits Of Gatorade

Gatorade helps replenish the electrolytes and energy you lose during rigorous workouts and sports. A study conducted by the University of Iowa Hospitals (USA) found that Gatorade may effectively treat dehydration (1). However, it is important to note that this study was conducted on people with viral gastroenteritis.

Remember, you should do intense exercise for more than 60 to 90 minutes before you drink Gatorade. The drink provides the essential nutrients that you lose through sweating. It is formulated mainly to help athletes maintain their energy and alertness. Studies suggest sports drinks may improve performance by providing carbohydrates, electrolytes, and other nutrients to the body (2).

Your performance may be impaired when you lose fluids more than 2% of your bodyweight (mainly through sweat) during an activity (2). Hence, staying hydrated is important for optimal athletic performance. Consuming sports drinks can help maintain your blood glucose levels and increase your exercise capacity (3).

A review published in the Journal of Athletic Training suggests that the potassium (electrolyte) content in Gatorade may help prevent muscle cramping during exercise (4).

Is Gatorade rich in essential nutrients? What are its contents? In the next section, we discuss the nutritional profile of Gatorade. Keep scrolling!

Gatorade Nutrition Facts

Isotonic sports drinks like Gatorade contain carbohydrates that support muscle activity. They help restore the sugars, salt, and water lost during physical activity. One bottle of Gatorade (620g) contains (5):

• Calories: 161
• Carbohydrates: 39.9g
• Sugars: 32.5g
• Sodium: 242 mg
• Potassium: 93 mg
• Phosphorus: 62 mg
• Calcium: 6.2 mg

Unless you are a fitness pro or a professional athlete, your body does not need sports drinks with electrolytes. If you are wondering what the important ingredients of Gatorade are, scroll down to know more.

Ingredients In Gatorade

•  Sodium is one of the key electrolytes available in Gatorade. However, excess sodium intake is linked with high blood pressure (6). Some athletes may drink Gatorade to alleviate cramping as research has linked muscle pains to sodium losses (7).
•  Potassium is another major electrolyte found in Gatorade. It is important for rehydrating and maintaining fluid balance (8).
•  The sugars in Gatorade provide fast energy with their high carbohydrate content. However, this drink is most important for serious athletes who exercise with high intensity for extended periods.
•  Gatorade also contains water, citric acid, and flavoring and coloring agents.

Trivia

The initial batch of Gatorade tasted terrible. Mary Cade, the wife of Gatorade inventor, Robert Cade, suggested adding lemon juice to the drink to make it more palatable.

Is Gatorade Good For You?

Not everyone needs or gets the full benefits from this high-energy electrolyte drink. Only athletes performing at a high level may need the sugar energy that Gatorade provides. Remember, only those people exercising strenuously for prolonged periods need electrolyte replenishment. Most casual drinkers of Gatorade don’t benefit from the added sugar and salt in their system.

A 2018 study reviewed the Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 2015 and found that about 31.8% of adolescents consumed 1 to 3 sports drinks in the last week, 11.9% consumed 4 to 6 sports drinks in the last week, and 3.2% consumed 4 or more sports drinks every day.

So, is Gatorade bad for you? Well, it is best for the general population to avoid sugary sports drinks since their excessive intake may have adverse side effects.

Check out the information about the expiry of Gatorade in the section below.

Does Gatorade Expire?

Yes, Gatorade does have an expiration date. The expiration date is typically printed on the bottle or packaging. While Gatorade is a non-perishable, shelf-stable beverage (as long as it’s unopened), it can go bad over time, primarily due to changes in taste, color, and the potential for bacterial growth.

The expiration date indicates the last day the product is safe to drink. Consuming Gatorade past its expiration date is generally considered safe, but the taste and quality may deteriorate. It’s essential to store Gatorade away from sunlight, in a cool, dry place, and away from extreme temperatures to maintain its quality. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off-taste, unusual color, or the presence of mold, it is best to discard it and get a fresh bottle. Checking the expiry date is always advised.

Listed below are some of the recorded adverse effects of consuming too much Gatorade. Check them out.

Side Effects Of Excessive Gatorade Intake

Sports drinks like Gatorade contain high levels of sugar and sodium, which have been proven to be harmful when taken in excess amounts.

According to the American Heart Association, intake of fewer than 1,500 mg per day of sodium is recommended for individuals (9). One bottle of Gatorade contains 238 mg of sodium, which is around 11% of the daily intake value.

Excess sugar can cause health problems in people who do not exercise very often. Excess intake of both sugar and salt can also lead to blood pressure issues, diabetes, and more (10), (11). However, athletes who do intense workouts can handle the added sugars. However, for non-athletes and kids, it is important to limit the amount you consume, as drinking too much Gatorade regularly without proper exercise and calorie burn might lead to a greater chance of developing Type 2 diabetes and potential heart issues due to its sugar and sodium levels (10).

Other side effects of Gatorade include:

1. May Lead To Weight Gain

The sugar in Gatorade may lead to weight gain. A bottle of Gatorade gives you roughly 32g of sugar. This is not so bad if you exercise intensely and need to refuel. But remember, regular intake of foods rich in artificial sweeteners will make you gain weight (12), (13).

2. May Cause Dental Problems

Acidic sports drinks may increase the risk of tooth erosion (14). The sugars in these beverages may also contribute to cavities (15).

A review published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health suggests that the food dyes used in sports drinks may cause cancers and hypersensitivity reactions (16).

These are some side effects of drinking Gatorade excessively. In the next section, we discuss whether drinking Gatorade is safe for children. Keep reading!

Should Kids Have Gatorade?

Most children don’t need to drink sports drinks like Gatorade. Experts suggest that parents limit their children’s intake of such drinks due to the presence of artificial colors and high sugar content. The high levels of sugar and sodium electrolytes in sports drinks can be harmful to children if consumed excessively. Gatorade is only useful for active adults and some very active kids (17).

Water is the best source of hydration for children. Also, eating fresh fruits and vegetables can help them get the required amount of carbohydrates and electrolytes and promote their overall wellness.

There are plenty of options to replace this high-sugar and calorie-rich sports drink. Scroll down to learn more about substitutes for Gatorade.

Gatorade Replacement

Water is the best option for hydrating your body. If you are bored of drinking water, try infusing it with lemon and other fruits for refreshment. You can also drink (unsweetened) fruit juices.

Similarly, coconut water can be the best replacement drink for electrolytes (18). Gatorade contains more electrolytes than coconut water, but most people don’t need them.

Wondering if Gatorade and Powerade are the same? Find out the differences between these two beverages in the next section.

Gatorade Vs. Powerade

Both Gatorade and Powerade are designed for athletes. They share similarities as well as differences.

•  Gatorade uses dextrose as the main sweetener while Powerade uses high-fructose corn syrup.
•  Gatorade contains two electrolytes – sodium and potassium. Powerade uses the ION4 System, which provides magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium.
•  These drinks contain the same amount of sugar per serving and have low-sugar and sugar-free versions in their product lineup.

Fun Fact

Famous basketball player Michael Jordan was the first celebrity endorser of Gatorade.

While Gatorade is a well-known sports drink, there are also many other options available. They vary in their levels of electrolytes, calories, and sugar. Let us compare them in the section below.

Gatorade Vs. Other Hydration Options

This table compares Gatorade with other popular hydration choices to help you decide what fits your needs the best (5), (19), (20), (21), (22), (23):

Infographic: A Guide On The Side Effects Of Excess Gatorade

Gatorade is a popular sports beverage that helps improve athletic performance and endurance. Though it offers many health benefits, its negative side effects can’t be ignored. Check out the infographic below to know about its negative effects on the body, its recommended dosage, and more to help you make an informed decision.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Final Takeaway

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to drink Gatorade daily?

Drink Gatorade only if you are doing intensive exercise daily.

Is Gatorade good for your kidneys?

No. Excessive use of Gatorade may lead to kidney issues. People with chronic kidney disease should also avoid taking it.

Is Gatorade healthier than soda?

Though it contains more sugar, Gatorade is healthier than soda, as it contains more electrolytes to rehydrate the body. Regular and diet soda lack these beneficial electrolytes and may contain artificial sweeteners.

Do athletes actually drink Gatorade?

Yes, Gatorade is one of the leading sports drinks in the US that helps enhance performance and build stamina.

Illustration: Is Gatorade Good For You? Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Uncover the truth about Gatorade in this revealing video. Explore its purpose, benefits, and whether it lives up to the hype. Don’t miss out on this informative journey—watch now and quench your curiosity!

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Rowinda DimechRDN

       

Rowinda Dimech is a registered dietitian with 6 six years of experience who provides individualized diets according to body type, age, lifestyle, medical conditions, allergies/ intolerances, level of physical activity, and food preferences.

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Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

 

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach with over six years of experience writing on health, nutrition, and diet. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a Diploma in Nutrition from Fab Academy.

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Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Himanshi Mahajan is a Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach with a Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences from Guru Nanak Dev University. With two years of experience crafting SEO-based, research-backed content, she specializes in fitness, health, and diet, alongside lifestyle topics.

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