When do you drink which sports drink?

Which sports drink is best for you depends on several factors. Is your main goal hydration or carbohydrate intake? Are you consuming the drink before, during or after exercise? Is the weather more likely to be hot or cold? Our Sports and Ultra series offer the right solution for every challenge.

	VS
1 Sports Unit	Units	2 Ultra Units
30g | 2:1 Ratio	Carbohydrates	90g | 1:1 ratio
400mg sodium + Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium	Electrolytes	400mg sodium + Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium
Neutral pH (not acidic)	Acidity	Neutral pH (not acidic)
During efforts over 1 hour, especially in hot and humid weather	Best to use	During efforts from 3 hours, especially in cold weather
Sports drink 30-60 minutes before intense exercise	Also suitable as	Carb-loader leading up to  an intensive endurance effort

Effective hydration and energy delivery with the 6d Sports Drink

The 6d Sports Drink is scientifically formulated to simultaneously replenish fluids and energy as quickly as possible. This isotonic sports drink, contains essential electrolytes for optimal hydration and provides 30g of carbohydrates (= 1 Sports Unit) in a 2:1 glucose-fructose ratio for rapid absorption without gastrointestinal issues. The ideal choice for athletes who want to maintain both fluid and energy levels during heavy physical efforts.

Maximum energy delivery with the 6d Ultra Drink

The 6d Ultra Drink contains the same essential electrolytes as the 6d Sports Drink, but provides 90g of carbohydrates (= 2 Ultra Units) in a 1:1 glucose-fructose ratio for maximum carbohydrate absorption without gastrointestinal issues. Specially designed for ultra endurance athletes, this hypertonic sports drink makes it easy to achieve a carbohydrate intake of 90-120 g per hour during efforts of more than 3 hours. This high-carbohydrate drink is also a good choice when energy supply is more important than hydration, for example during efforts in cold conditions or as a “carbo-loader” for heavy endurance efforts.

	VS
450mg sodium + Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium	Electrolytes	900mg sodium + Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium
<20 kcal (low calorie)	Calories	<40 kcal (low calorie)
<4g (low)	Carbohydrates	<8g (low)
Neutral pH (not acidic)	Acidity	Neutral pH (not acidic)
To maintain fluid balance around exercise	Best to use	To quickly replenish extreme sweat loss or build up a fluid reserve
As a sports drink during shorter efforts or “nuchtere” training	Also suitable as	An additional sports drink during endurance efforts in hot and humid weather

Maximum hydration with the 6d Hydro/ORS

The 6d Hydro/ORS is a low-carbohydrate sports drink with essential electrolytes that are absorbed fastest by the body. This hypotonic drink is the best choice when rapid hydration is more important than replenishing energy stores. A single dose (1 sachet/500ml) helps maintain fluid balance during the day and during shorter efforts. A double dose (2 sachets/500ml) works like a powerful Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), providing optimal rehydration after long efforts in a hot, humid environment, but can also be used beforehand to build up an extra fluid reserve.

What’s the difference in taste and ease of use?

Taste is a crucial factor in choosing a sports drink. Beginners often go for a stronger, sour taste, while experienced athletes and endurance athletes usually prefer a milder, pH-neutral sports drink, especially when they have a sensitive stomach or teeth. Therefore, 6d only offers sports drinks with a mild flavor. While the 6d Ultra Drink is sweeter than the 6d Sports Drink and 6d Hydro/ORS, due to its high carbohydrate content, all drinks are carefully formulated for an optimal taste experience.

Thanks to an included measuring spoon or portion dose, accurate dosing is very easy, even on the go. Cheap or homemade sports drinks, such as diluted fruit juice with salt or sugar water, often lack this optimal balance between taste and convenience.

How can you combine sports drinks with other sports nutrition?

If your exercise lasts several hours, take extra energy in the form of energy bars and/or gels in addition to your sports drink to prevent hitting the wall. Wondering how to combine sports drinks with other 6d products in function of your sport? Take a look at our Sports Series or Ultra Series page.