What is the difference between carbo and isotonic?

The popularity of carbohydrate drinks

Both the carbohydrate supplement type carbo and the isotonic drink are characterized by the fact that they provide the body with certain amounts of carbohydrates (carbo significantly more per 100 g of product in powder form), minerals and have a sweet taste, and usually come in the same form, i.e. powder or ready-to-drink drink. Both products enjoy enormous popularity not only among athletes and physically active people on a daily basis, but also among young people and adults who like the sweet taste and attractive color of many drinks offered on the market, especially isotonic ones. What's more, their peak consumption definitely falls in the summer, when the average temperature outside during the day is above 20 degrees and, as a result, the body's sweating also increases in order to adapt to these environmental conditions.

Differences between a carbohydrate supplement such as carbo and an isotonic drink

An isotonic drink is a fluid consisting primarily of carbohydrates and electrolytes, and in some situations also vitamins, the purpose of which is to replenish the loss of water and mineral salts resulting from, for example, long-term endurance physical exercise . According to the opinions of numerous experts in the field of sports dietetics, the optimal isotonic drink should be characterized by a composition in the range of 4 - 8 g of carbohydrates and 23 - 69 mg of sodium for every 100 ml of fluid consumed, to provide the body with an immediate supply of fluid and necessary fuel, while at the same time guaranteeing palatability and maximizing stomach tolerance. A carbohydrate supplement of the carbo type is, in turn, a product that usually contains over 90% carbohydrates (most often in the form of glucose polymers, e.g. maltodextrins) per 100 g of powdered preparation, which primarily allows its effective use for the purpose of quick energy supply during endurance disciplines (e.g. cycling, running, swimming, triathlon), which are characterized by long-term effort, and a regular and appropriate supply of carbohydrates during and after exercise plays a key role in ensuring maximum body efficiency. Therefore, summarizing the differences between the two discussed products, it should be emphasized that an isotonic drink, as its name suggests, is mainly used to hydrate the body and replenish electrolyte losses resulting from intensive sweating during physical exercise, while a carbohydrate supplement of the carbo type, as a hypertonic drink, seems to be the most effective in providing energy during exercise, in which the correct supply of carbohydrates is extremely important.

Literature:

1. ACSM, Sawka MN, Burke LM, et al.: American College of Sports Medicine position standard. Exercise and fluid replacement. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007 Feb;39(2):377-90. doi: 10.1249/mss.0b013e31802ca597.
2. Burke LM, Hawley JA, Wong SH et al.: Carbohydrates for training and competition. J Sports Sci. 2011;29 Suppl 1:S17-27. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2011.585473.
3. Jeukendrup AE: Nutrition for endurance sports: marathon, triathlon, and road cycling. J Sports Sci. 2011;29 Suppl 1:S91-9. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2011.610348.
4. https://www.ausport.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/594170/Sports_drinks_carbohydrate-electrolyte_drinks_-_June_2017.pdf (accessed 16/09/2018)