Recent study on sport drinks
 

A new study out says that citric acid in sports drinks, such as Gatorade, is bad for bones and teeth. I am probably not drinking enough of it to be a problem but I would like to find something to put in my bottle on long hot rides that is lower in citric acid.

Any suggestions?

Water, maybe with some electrolytes. Personally I have abandoned sports drinks in favour of eating real food.

Linky?

Sorry no link. I saw it on the news. It was an interview with some doctor type. It made me think because I drink a fair amount of Gatorade.

+1

Quit drinking sports drinks something like 18 months ago. Since then we've used water in our bottles on the bicycle, electrolyte tablets (especially on the warmer days), and during breaks we'll have real food with coke or iced tea or other beverage choices which appeal at the moment.

And I quit drinking Gatorade (except on odd occasions, like rest stops on supported rides when there is nothing else available) in 2003 or 2004.

From the Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/c...,187379.column

Moderation, moderation, moderation. Any acidic drink has the same effect including orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit juice (citric and ascorbic acids) and cola (phosophoric acid). After any acidic food or drink you should rinse your teeth with plain water. Chewing sugar-free gum, especially baking soda gums, after acidic food or drink will help naturally control acid errosion. You would have to take in a lot of citric acid to affect bone density. Phosophoric acid (look for any ingredient that looks like a variation on phosphate) is more problematic as it interferes with calcium absorption and strips calcium from the blood. While long term overuse can cause bone issues, of more immediate concern to athletes is that calcium is an electrolyte involved in the regulation of muscle contraction. Low blood and tissue calcium levels can increase the likelyhood of muscle cramps and interfere with muscle function. While I prefer hydration other than sports drinks, I will use them on occassion. I usually dilute them 50/50 with water or green tea and always carry a bottle of plain water as well. Sip the sports drink as needed but follow up with a sip of water swished between the teeth before swallowing.

That link seems to be about the popular energy drinks and not particularly the one's formulated for bike riding.