sports drinks

[mother]

I wonder if you guys can help me? I have to try to find info for my PT course on the difference between, hyper, hypotonic and isotonic sports drinks. None of my books have any info, and I would really appreciate some help. Thanks

(formally "Belle", buy new computer messed up all my favourite sites, so had to re-register???)

 

[gamber]

Hi. Isotonic has the same ionic strength (basically this means "saltiness" from the various mineral salts) as blood. Hypertonic is saltier than your blood, so you need water or you will get dehydrated. Hypo is, as you probably guessed by now less salty than your blood. I think isotonic or hypotonic would be the best fluid replacements. I like to use those Emergen-C powders added to 16 oz of water instead of the 6 they recommend, as my drink when I workout.