Posted: May 11, 2004

Science of Sport: Gatorade Introduces Specialized Sports Drink For Elite And Endurance Athletes

CHICAGO – After extensive research, scientists at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute have developed the Gatorade Endurance Hydration Formula – a specialized sports drink with a unique blend of electrolytes designed to meet the needs of elite and endurance athletes during their longer and more intense workouts. The product will be available starting February 9.The Gatorade Endurance Hydration Formula contains a five-electrolyte blend consisting of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium formulated to replace the fluids and electrolytes lost during longer, more intense workouts and competitions. Like Gatorade Thirst Quencher, the Gatorade Endurance Hydration Formula contains a 6% carbohydrate solution that helps speed fluid back into the body and fuel working muscles.

“Research shows that the electrolyte and hydration needs of athletes can vary widely. This is especially true for elite and endurance athletes who are known for engaging in long, hot training sessions and competitions,” said Bob Murray, Ph.D., director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. “The introduction of Gatorade Endurance Hydration Formula is a step forward in meeting the needs of these athletes when they need it most – over the long haul. We’re excited about the Gatorade Endurance Hydration Formula because it is based upon what research has taught us about how to best meet the hydration needs of elite and endurance athletes during their

Research shows that highly trained elite and endurance athletes have high hourly sweat rates and therefore lose more electrolytes during prolonged training and competitions. For example, during a 3-hour workout, an endurance athlete can burn approximately 1,800 calories, and lose 3,220 mg of sodium, 3,550 mg of chloride, 1,253 mg of potassium, 240 mg of calcium and 97 mg of magnesium. The Gatorade Endurance Hydration Formula was specifically created to help these athletes put back the important minerals they lose in sweat during their longer and more intense training sessions and competitions.

The Gatorade Endurance Hydration Formula is the latest addition to the Gatorade Performance Series, a line of scientifically formulated sports nutrition products introduced in the early 1980s, to help athletes practice and perform at their best by delivering the balanced nutrition they need. Each product plays a specific role in helping athletes prepare for, excel at and recover from training and competitions. The Gatorade Performance Series includes the Gatorade Nutrition Shake, the Gatorade Energy Drink and the Gatorade Endurance Hydration Formula.

The Gatorade Endurance Hydration Formula will be available in lemon-lime powder in a 50.2-oz container (makes 88 eight-ounce servings) for a suggested retail price of $24.99. Athletes can purchase the product online at www.gatorade.com and at select athletic specialty stores. Athletes who are interested in learning more about Gatorade Endurance Hydration Formula can visit www.gatorade.com/endurance. Gatorade. Thirst Quencher, the nation’s leading sports drink, is backed by 35 years of research. Gatorade is scientifically formulated and athletically proven to quench thirst, replace fluids and electrolytes and provide carbohydrate energy to enhance athletic performance. Gatorade is served on the course at hundreds of marathons and triathlons throughout the country including the ING New York City Marathon, the Boston Marathon, the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, the Chicago Triathlon, as well as Ironman World Triathlon Championship in Hawaii. Gatorade is the official sports drink of the NFL, NBA, WNBA, Major League Baseball, US Soccer, Major League Soccer and numerous professional, collegiate and amateur teams and events throughout the world. Gatorade is manufactured by PepsiCo Beverages and Foods, a division of PepsiCo.

For more information, visit www.gatorade.com.