Monday, February 7, 2011

Common Components found in Isotonic Drinks are:
1. Sodium
2. Potassium
3. Calcium
4. Magnesium
5. Chloride
6. Bicarbonate
7. Phosphate
8. Sulphate

What Isotonic Drinks does.
Isotonic drinks are mainly made up of water and glucose with some vitamins and minerals. When we exercise, many minerals in our body are either burned up or is released out of the body through sweat. Hence, when we drink isotonic drinks, it helps to replenish our lost minerals and helps boost our energy level. Therefore it also replenishes the water we loss through sweat, rehydrating a person.

Selection of isotonic drink after vigorous activities.
Isotonic - quickly replenishes fluids lost by sweating and supplies a boost of carbohydrate. This drink is the choice for most athletes, middle and long distance runners. Glucose is the body's preferred source of energy therefore it may be appropriate to consume Isotonic drinks where the carbohydrate source is glucose in a concentration of 6% to 8%.

Hypotonic - quickly replenishes fluids lost by sweating. Suitable for athletes who need fluid without the boost of carbohydrate This drink is a choice for gymnasts, jockeys etc.

Hypertonic - used to supply daily carbohydrate intake. Normally after exercise to top up glycogen stored in the muscles. In long distance events, high levels of energy are required and Hypertonic drinks can be taken during these exercises to meet the high energy demands. If used during exercise Hypertonic drinks need to be used in conjunction with Isotonic drinks to replace fluids.

taken from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/drinks.htm