Jeni Pearce

Abstract The use of fluid replacement beverages before, during and after activity is well promoted in scientific literature. Various beverages, ranging from water, formulated sports drinks, fruit juice, meal replacement beverages, soft drinks, tea, coffee and even alcohol have been consumed in association with exercise. The ideal sports beverage should be pleasant tasting, not cause any gastrointestinal discomfort and provide for the rapid absorption of fluid and energy. Sweet flavoured beverages containing four to eight per cent carbohydrate consumed before, during and after activity, promote hydration and voluntary intake of fluids and thus promote fluid balance, particularly when exercising in the heat. The focus of this article is to consider the various fluid replacement beverages consumed in sporting situations based on their nutrient composition and suitability. The advantages and disadvantages of several commonly consumed beverages will be reviewed and nutritional data provided. Athletes should be encouraged to meet their fluid losses daily, within the requirements of the sport (duration, environment, access to fluids) and should experiment with suitable beverages which meet their needs for taste and satisfies the fluid recommendations for their specific sporting situation. Other beverages may have a role in fluid replacement, depending on their individual nutrient content which will dictate the volume consumed and time of consumption. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1996;53 (4Suppl):S35–S42).