Written Assignment 3 Sawyer Dereszynski Prime Hydration is a popular drink, but its ingredients don’t match what science says is best for athletes. One big issue is its carbohydrate content. Prime has only 2 grams of carbs per serving, far below the 6-8% carbohydrate concentration (about 60-80 grams per liter) that experts recommend for fueling the body during long workouts. Instead of real carbs for energy, Prime uses artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which add sweetness but don’t give the body any usable fuel. On the other hand, a drink like Gatorade follows the science. It has about 6% carbohydrates, usually from glucose and sucrose, which the body can quickly absorb and use for energy. This makes Gatorade a good choice for staying energized during exercise. Prime’s electrolyte levels are another problem. It contains 834 milligrams of electrolytes per serving, which is higher than the recommended 300-700 milligrams per liter for sodium and other electrolytes. Too much can upset the stomach and may not help with hydration as well as drinks with balanced amounts. Prime also includes extras like branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and coconut water powder. While these might sound good, there’s little evidence they help during exercise. In comparison, Gatorade sticks to proven ingredients like carbohydrates and electrolytes, making it better for athletes who need energy and hydration during workouts.
