Final answer:
The ingredient not commonly found in sports drinks is protein. So, correct option is (d).
Step-by-step explanation:
The common ingredients in sports drinks include water, electrolytes, and carbohydrates. Sports drinks are tailored to rehydrate the body and replace nutrients lost during physical activities, such as sodium and potassium, which are lost through sweat.
These drinks serve three primary functions: they provide hydration, replenish electrolytes for nerve and muscle function, and offer an energy boost from carbohydrates. The correct answer to the question 'All of the following are common ingredients in sports drinks EXCEPT ________.' is d) Protein.
While protein is essential for muscle repair post-exercise, it is generally not a component of sports drinks; these beverages focus instead on hydration and quick energy replenishment. For this reason, protein is not commonly found in sports drinks, unlike water, electrolytes, and carbohydrates, which are standard ingredients. The student should select 'd) Protein' as the ingredient typically excluded from the formulation of sports drinks.