You can't miss their arrays of colours, special additives and boasts of performance enhancing properties but what are the real benefits of sports drinks and do they fulfil what they promise?
Sports drinks were originally designed for athletes in the US to help them maintain hydration levels on the field. They contain carbohydrates for energy and important electrolytes (often lost through perspiration) such as sodium and potassium. Make sure you read the label and choose a sports drink with 6% to 8% carbohydrates, as too much sugar can upset your stomach.
If you are engaged in physical activity, sports drinks can help provide a small source of energy whilst helping to keep you hydrated. However, drinking these as a recreational drink or when you are inactive is not recommended as the extra calories can build up.
Energy drinks are generally combinations of caffeine, herbs, vitamins and amino acids. They are designed to give you increased energy and improve stamina but the caffeine could have a detrimental effect depending on your physiology. Some people have a low tolerance for caffeine, experiencing irritability and loss of concentration. Children and pregnant women should avoid energy drinks altogether. Also, as a mild diuretic, caffeine is not helpful in aiding hydration.
These are newer to the market. They contain added vitamins and minerals but are lighter on sugars than sports drinks. High amounts of vitamins or minerals in some brands could be beneficial depending on your daily nutrient intake. These drinks are better than energy drinks if you need to re-hydrate rather than getting an extra source of energy.
Flavoured drinks may make drinking fluids more appealing if you find plain water boring. The most important thing is to be clear about what you are drinking. Check the content labels to make sure you know what you are putting in your body. You may find that the additives are not as healthy for you as the packaging would lead you to believe.
We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Please provide your name. Read our have your say guidelines.