Sports Drinks: Is a Natural Alternative Viable?

Leonard S. Ershow D.C., C.C.S.P
07/02/2007

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The issue of sweetness must also be addressed. The challenge is to offer a sports beverage that is tasty, but not so sweet that it won’t quench thirst. This is critical because many athletes won’t be able to consume sweet drinks over a long period of exercise, and the general population won’t consume a drink that doesn’t have some level of sweetness.

But what are the options outside of HFCS and sucrose? Using artificial sweeteners wouldn’t conform to the parameters of an all-natural sports drink. Sugar, which is all natural and can be used as a good source of carbohydrate when exercising, has the same drawback of causing hyperglycemia and possibly obesity problems. It seems one would have to find a natural miracle sweetener that could be used in a sports drink, not cause adverse physiological reactions, and still taste great.

Enter agave nectar. Agave nectar is produced from the agave plant. It is a low GI, complex carbohydrate with a high level of sweetness and no unusual aftertaste. It doesn’t cause a dramatic instant rise in blood sugar, so there is no dramatic insulin response from the pancreas. Because it is a complex carbohydrate, the energy is released more consistently over a longer period of time. It is even used by some diabetics as a substitute for other sweeteners because of this quality. Add to that rice syrup, another complex carbohydrate, electrolytes and natural fruit flavors. Mix it all together and you have a sports drink that is thirst quenching, flavorful and healthy.

Leonard S. Ershow D.C., C.C.S.P., ART is a chiropractor with an active practice, focusing on sports injuries. He has worked with athletes from weekend warriors to elite world champions. Ershow is in charge of sports promotions and event management for Ritorna Natural Inc., the makers of LIV Natural, an all-natural sports drink for athletes and active adults and kids. He was on the advisory board for the development of LIV Natural (www.liv-natural.com), and is now pursuing sponsorship opportunities for the company.

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