Isotonic drinks

What are isotonics and what are they for?

Isotonics are solutions with the same salt concentration as in human blood plasma. They help restore moisture lost during exercise. The main components of an isotonic drink are the concentration of carbohydrates and mineral salts. Carbohydrates replenish lost energy, and mineral salts restore water-salt balance, disturbed by excessive sweating.

Typically isotonics contain:

• simple sugars (glucose, sucrose, dextrose) – 5-8%;

• mineral salts or minerals;

• vitamins;

• fat burners, L-carnitine, creatine, glutamine, energy drink (caffeine).

If the drink has a lower concentration than the blood plasma, it is considered hypotonic, and if it is high, it is considered hypertonic.

How to take isotonics

Isotonic drinks contain a high concentration of carbohydrates and, if taken incorrectly, can cause excess weight gain. Such drinks are suitable for long-term exercise in cyclic sports and for grueling strength loads.

One bottle is enough for one workout. Part of the drink should be drunk 30 minutes before the start of the workout, then drink a few sips during the workout, and drink the rest after completing the workout.

Contraindications 

Isotonics have no contraindications, they are quite safe, but there is a nuance in the composition. One of the components is glucose; it is not present in all drinks, but manufacturers add it to most products. Therefore, people suffering from diabetes should take this fact into account and review the components of isotonic in detail.

Glucose and fructose may also be present. So, fructose can provoke increased gas formation, so take into account the state of the gastrointestinal tract. Drinks with added fructose take longer to be absorbed by the intestines and can cause cramping, nausea and diarrhea.

Some manufacturers add dyes to isotonic drinks, which can affect the color of teeth. This factor is not a contraindication, but rather a warning.

To avoid unwanted consequences, we recommend visiting a specialist for a full consultation on taking isotonics. Depending on your health status and goals, this product may not be appropriate.

What isotonic drinks are best to buy in Ukraine

The specialized online store Vansiton offers to buy isotonic drinks that will meet all your preferences: price, taste, manufacturer, certain ingredients and delivery method.

The ingredients play an important role in the selection of isotonics. Usually the composition is more or less the same, but there are differences. For example, if an isotonic drink contains caffeine, it will help increase activity and endurance, but water loss will be faster.

Main components and their functions:

• simple carbohydrates, vitamins B and C (effective in low-carbohydrate diets and maintain tone after intense training);

• carbohydrates, proteins, mineral complex (improves muscle growth, gives additional energy);

• vitamins, minerals, amino acids and low carbohydrate content (keep osmotic balance normal);

• caffeine and taurine (is an energy booster, promotes activity, stimulates muscles).