Final answer:
Sports drinks generally contain 6 to 7 percent carbohydrates for the purpose of replenishing electrolytes and maintaining hydration during physical exertion. They come in various types, such as hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic, which differ in their carbohydrate, salt, and sugar content.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sports drinks typically contain carbohydrates in the range of 14 to 17 grams per 8 ounces, which represents about 6 to 7 percent of carbohydrates. These beverages are designed to replenish electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, with approximately 125 milligrams of sodium per 8 ounces, as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine. The purpose of these drinks is to help maintain hydration levels during physical activity by replacing minerals lost through sweat and promoting fluid uptake in the small intestine.
There are different types of sports drinks, categorized as hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic, based on their concentration of dissolved content compared to the human body. Hypotonic sports drinks have a lower concentration and are low in carbohydrates but higher in salt and sugar. Isotonic sports drinks have similar salt and sugar concentrations to the human body but higher carbohydrate content, while hypertonic drinks have a higher concentration of carbohydrates to provide quick energy replacement and lower salt and sugar levels compared to the human body.