Volume 29, Issue 161, July 2025

The Role of Hypotonic and Isotonic Drinks in Supporting Hydration and Recovery in Team Sport Athletes – A Literature Review

Aleksandra Górniak^1♦, Natalia Gizińska¹, Aleksandra Kubas¹, Michał Widawski¹, Aleksander Sobczyk¹, Paulina Lewandowska², Amelia Rusiecka³, Arkadiusz Zaremba⁴, Franciszek Cichur⁵

¹University Clinical Hospital No.2 of Medical University of Lodz, Poland
²The Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
³Central Teaching Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, Poland
⁴Scanmed Rudolf Weigl Hospital in Blachownia, Poland
⁵Provincial Specialist Hospital of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Częstochowa, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Aleksandra Górniak; University Clinical Hospital No.2 of Medical University of Lodz, Poland

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Correct hydration is essential for athletes engaged in high-intensity activities that involve frequent changes in pace and limited opportunities to drink. Hypotonic and isotonic sports drinks play a huge role in maintaining water balance among athletes. Fluid loss during physical activity varies between individuals and depends on the environment, type of activity, and individual physiology. Mild dehydration has adverse effects on cardiovascular function, cognitive performance, including decision-making, and overall performance. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of the available literature from electronic databases, including PubMed and ResearchGate. Conclusions: Both hypotonic and isotonic drinks are effective in sports hydration. Hypotonic drinks get absorbed faster and are easier on the stomach during short workouts or hot weather, while isotonic drinks help replace both fluids and energy during longer training sessions. Every athlete needs a proper hydration plan adjusted to their needs.

Keywords: hypotonic drinks, isotonic drinks, hydration, osmolality

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e122ms3636

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i161.e122ms3636

Published: 30 July 2025