Pace and Power

Osmolality is a measure of the number of dissolved particles in a fluid. These particles or solids could be sugars, glucose polymers, salt or other electrolytes.

The osmolality of the drink determines which way or at what rate the fluid will move between the gut and the bloodstream. Low osmolality will result in better absorption.

Hypotonic means that this drink has a fairly low osmolality, this relates to fewer particles (carbohydrates and electrolytes) per 100ml than the fluids in the body. As it is more dilute, it is absorbed faster than water.

An Isotonic drink has the same osmolality as the body fluids. This means it has the same number of particles per 100ml as the body fluids and is therefore absorbed as fast as water.

Hypertonic means a high osmolality which means that the number of particles in the water will be absorbed slower than water.

Understanding the label information

Around 10 grams upwards of carbohydrate content per 100ml of water would make the solution hypertonic and not ideal for quick hydration.

5 grams to 8 grams of carbohydrate to 100ml of water (5%-8% in solution) is isotonic and less than 4grams would make the drink hypotonic.

6 grams to 8 grams of carbohydrate to water (6%-8% concentration in solution) is probably the best compromise for quick refueling and quick hydration.