Isotonic Drinks

First things first: water is great. It has sustained athletes since the ancient Olympics, and you should be encouraging your child to drink plenty of it.

However, there are situations in sport where they may be better served by an 'isotonic' drink.

What does ‘Isotonic’ actually mean?

'Isotonic' refers to a liquid that has the same concentration of salt and sugar as human blood. Because the concentrations match, the fluid is absorbed into the bloodstream almost instantly. It is the most efficient way to deliver energy and hydration to working muscles during exercise.

Why does your child need it?

In longer duration training or competition, three things can happen:

• Dehydration: Even a 2% fluid loss can cause a 10% drop in speed and power. The heart works harder, and decision-making slows down.

• Salts Depletion: Sweat strips away Sodium, Potassium, and Magnesium. This disrupts nerve signals, leading to cramps and slower muscle reactions.

• Glycogen Drain: As energy stores empty, late-game fatigue sets in. This is when technical errors happen and injury risk spikes.

An Isotonic drink solves all three simultaneously - providing instant hydration, essential minerals, and a "drip-feed" of energy to keep them performing until the final whistle.

Homemade is Best for Youth

At the Academy we take a food first approach. Though there is a place for supplements or processed foods, if we can get what we need from a natural source, that's our preference.

Commercial sports drinks are often "chemical cocktails" laden with synthetic dyes, preservatives, and high-fructose corn syrup. By making your own isotonic drink, you control the quality. You can use natural glucose and unprocessed sea salt, ensuring your child gets what they need without the nasties.