Many people, including us, purchase sports and energy drinks, thinking they are the same. However, on closer inspection, one can trace the differences between them. If consultant neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, is to go by, sports drinks contain nutrients that are often lost during vigorous exercise, including sugar, while energy drinks contain sugar and stimulants such as caffeine and taurine.
“A good rule of thumb is to save sports drinks for exercise that lasts for more than an hour, or that takes place in very hot or humid conditions. While energy drinks containing caffeine may energise the body temporarily, they do not replenish the nutrients. Moreover, caffeine is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration. The stimulants in energy drinks can also pose other potential health risks in children and adolescents, including adverse effects on their developing hearts and brains. It is better to avoid consuming energy drinks in children or keep their consumption to the lowest possible,” said Dr Kumar in a post on X.
This makes it essential to understand the differences between sports and energy drinks and how they affect the body, particularly digestive health. “These are two distinct drinks with different purposes, formulas, and ingredients,” said Dr Veena Pai, dietitian, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai.
Sports Drinks
Sports drinks as the names suggest are mostly preferred by the athletes or people who indulge in various sports activities. “The purpose here of drinking sports drinks is to replenish the amount of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and fluids that are lost during intense sports sessions. They often contain balanced ingredients. This may include ingredients like sugar for quick energy release in the body and electrolytes like sodium and potassium to maintain hydration,” described Dr Pai.
Designed for rehydration during physical activity, sports drinks contain electrolytes (sodium, potassium) in addition to carbohydrates (sugars).
“They’re generally safe for the digestive system, although high sugar content may occasionally cause gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly for sensitive stomachs. However, for most people engaged in intense physical activity, they offer a balanced way to stay hydrated and fuelled,” said Dr Nadendla Hazarathaiah, consultant surgical gastroenterologist, GI oncology, Gleneagles Global hospitals, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad.
Energy drinks
Energy drinks, on the other hand, are formulated to boost energy and alertness, primarily through high doses of caffeine and sugar. “They primarily act as a stimulant. These energy drinks are jam-packed with ingredients such as caffeine, and sugar, along with stimulants like guarana, taurine, and ginseng. Energy drinks contain very less nutritional levels compared to sports drinks. They contain excessive amounts of sugar which can be harmful to your physical well-being if consumed frequently,” said Dr Pai.
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“These can pose risks to the gastrointestinal system. High caffeine levels may increase acid production in the stomach, potentially leading to issues like acid reflux or gastritis,” said Dr Hazarathaiah.
Sports drinks: Sport drinks are beverages that contain nutrients that are often lost during vigorous exercise, including sugar.
✅A good rule of thumb is to save sports drinks for exercise that lasts for more than an… https://t.co/ZujbxJcaej— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) October 2, 2024
The excessive sugar content may also contribute to bloating and gas. “In some cases, energy drinks can irritate the lining of the stomach, leading to discomfort or nausea,” said Dr Hazarathaiah.
This is what to consider (Source: Freepik)
While sports drinks can be beneficial for hydration during intense exercise, energy drinks should be consumed with caution due to their potential to disrupt gastrointestinal health, particularly with regular use, said Dr Hazarathaiah.
However, Dr Pai said that one shouldn’t go overboard when drinking these drinks be it sports drinks or energy drinks. “Instead, opt for healthier alternatives like lemonade, coconut water, or vegetable juice,” said Dr Pai.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
