Isotonic sports drinks: formulation and physiological effects of their consumption

Abstract

When practicing intense physical exercise for more than an hour, it is recommended to counteract the loss of water and electrolytes and provide an energy substrate by drinking isotonic sports beverages. These contain carbohydrates and mineral salts at the same osmotic pressure as blood, facilitating the rapid absorption of their constituents. Its consumption before, during, and after prolonged physical exercise is more effective than water in preventing dehydration, helping to maintain performance during exercise, delaying the onset of fatigue, and accelerating recovery. Based on the demand for more natural foods, there is an interest from the food industry to produce isotonic drinks from ingredients such as fruits, cereals, among others. In this sense, this review describes some aspects of the formulation and physiological effects of consuming this type of drink.

Keywords

• isotonic drink
• electrolyte
• osmolality