Most people are familiar with "hypotonic" drinks but may not know. A hypotonic drink has a lower concentration of solutes than in the human body. The fluids in these drinks are absorbed into the bloodstream the fastest, but they deliver lower carbohydrates per unit volume. Hypotonic drinks are a good option for people looking to maximize their hydration.

A hypotonic drink creates a "favourable osmotic gradient." In other words, it is a drink of a lower concentration than blood. Therefore, when you drink a hypotonic drink, it helps to encourage the movement of fluid from the blood into the cells. As a result, it can help to hydrate the cells and improve their function.

Osmosis is the process of water moving across a cell membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. This process occurs in the gut in the human body, where water flows across the gut wall into blood vessels. This water movement from the gut to the blood helps regulate the body's fluid levels and maintain homeostasis.

Athletes often turn to hypotonic drinks to rehydrate because they are absorbed more quickly by the body than water. In addition, when athletes compete in hot weather, they can lose a lot of fluids through sweat and need to replenish them quickly. These drinks can also help to replace electrolytes from sweating.

If you're looking to stay hydrated, hypotonic drinks are your best bet. These drinks have a lower osmotic pressure than your body's fluids, so they're absorbed more quickly. That means your body can rehydrate faster, making hypotonic drinks ideal for after workouts or when you're feeling dehydrated.

Rapid Hydration Electrolyte Powder is the ideal hypotonic electrolyte re-hydration drink. Developed originally for elite cyclists and triathletes, it is suitable for high-intensity sports and training programmes.