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    Sports Drinks

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    Sara Hafez

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Sports Drinks

    Uploaded by

    Sara Hafez
    4 views2 pages

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    4 views2 pages

    Sports Drinks

    Uploaded by

    Sara Hafez

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
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    Behind the hype:

    Sports Drinks
    What are sports drinks?
    Sports drinks were designed for use by endurance athletes as a convenient way to replace fluid, glucose
    and electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium and magnesium) lost during endurance activity.1 Sports drinks
    usually contain water, sugar (although sugar-free alternatives are available), sodium, potassium, artificial
    colours and flavours.

    Why is this an issue?


    Sports drinks can be a concentrated source
    of sugar and energy. Depending on the brand,
    some contain up to 22.4 grams of sugar per
    250ml.2 Sports drinks are often sold in large
    In a nutshell
    sizes so can contribute significant amounts
    of energy to the diet. For example, a 750ml
    bottle of sports drink may contain 67 grams (16 Sports drinks are not necessary. Water is
    teaspoons) of sugar.2 the best choice before, during and after
    most physical activity.
    Sugary drinks are a main source of sugar
    for New Zealand adults and children.3,4 Many sports drinks contain sugar and
    Consumption of sugary drinks is associated with energy similar to other sugar-sweetened
    tooth decay, increased risk of unhealthy weight drinks, so they can cause weight gain
    gain, type 2 diabetes and gout.3 Sports drinks and tooth decay.
    also add unnecessary sodium to the diet. High
    intake of sodium is associated with elevated Most people participating in physical
    blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular activity will not have additional nutrition
    disease and stroke.5 Estimates suggest sodium or fluid-related requirements other than
    consumption in New Zealand exceeds dietary the food and nutrition guidelines.
    recommendations.4

    While sports drinks are marketed for those
    playing sport, most people do not exercise
    enough to burn the energy in one sports drink,
    or need to replace lost electrolytes. For most
    people drinking water before, during or after
    activity provides sufficient hydration.
    What is the best choice of drink for my activity?
    Water is the best choice before, during and after most physical activities. Some examples are given below.

    Activity Best drink Advice


    choice?
    15-year-old boy playing cricket – both Water Drink water regularly throughout the game. Although
    fielding and batting cricket games can last for several hours, the activity is not
    continuous or of high intensity.

    Gym session for about an hour – mix Water Drink water before, during and after the workout to replace
    of cardio and weights (adult female) fluid lost as sweat.

    3-hour bike ride (adult male) Water Drink water before, during and after to avoid dehydration.
    Even on a three-hour bike ride, sports drinks are not
    needed. Water provides sufficient hydration and regular
    snacks (such as bananas) can help meet energy
    requirements.

    Adult female running with friends – Water Drink water before and after the workout to replace fluid lost
    medium to fast pace for 40 minutes as sweat.

    Primary school-aged girl playing Water Drink water before, during (at half time) and after the game.
    netball or rugby in the weekend for
    age-group rep team

    Long, hot day at the beach and Water Drink water regularly throughout the day before you get
    feeling really thirsty thirsty.

    More information References


    1. Burke I, Read S (1993). Dietary Supplements in sport.
    The food and nutrition guidelines are available at: Sports Medicine 15(1) 43-65.

    www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health- 2. The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research
    wellness/nutrition/food-and-nutrition-guidelines Ltd and the Ministry of Health (2014). The Concise New
    Zealand Food Composition Tables, 10th Edition. Retrieved
    from www.foodcomposition.co.nz/concise-tables
    The Health Ed resource ‘Eating for Healthy Adults’
    has information on fluid intake: 3. University of Otago and Ministry of Health (2011). A Focus
    on Nutrition: Key Findings of the 2008/09 New Zealand
    https://www.healthed.govt.nz/resource/eating-healthy- Adult Nutrition Survey. Wellington, Ministry of Health.
    adultsng%C4%81-kai-t%C5%8Dtika-ma-te-hunga-
    pakeke 4. Ministry of Health (2003). NZ Food NZ Children Key
    Results of the 2002 National Children’s Nutrition Survey
    How much sugar do you drink? (infographic) Wellington Ministry of Health.
    available at:
    5. National Health and Medical Research Council (2006).
    Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand
    www.hpa.org.nz/nutrition-physical-activity-resources Including Recommended Dietary Intakes. Canberra,
    Department of Health and Ageing.
    NPA047 ǀ May 2014

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