Sports or ‘energy replacement’ drinks have become a major commercial force in recent times. Pepsi-owned Gatorade is distributed in over 80 countries, and has lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Usain Bolt and Serena Williams. Closer to home, Lucozade (which started life as an illness and recovery drink) is promoted by the likes of Ronan O’Gara and the Irish football team.

The high profiles enjoyed by such brands - as well as others like Red Bull - have allowed them to become major commercial forces, closely associated with competitive sporting culture. They are extremely popular with both athletes and the general public.

But what are the health benefits and risks posed by these beverages? Anna Burns - microbiologist, nutritional scientist and author of The Food Nanny - joined Pat in studio to talk about these energy replacement drinks in depth.

She stresses it’s important to separate them into different categories like protein shakes, electrolyte drinks, recovery drinks, carbohydrate sports drinks and others. While they can all serve their own purposes in specific circumstances, Anna stresses it’s important to be knowledgeable about why and when these drinks should be consumed. A protein shake, for example, could be beneficial for bodybuilders or international rugby players, but could potentially put a less active person at risk of kidney disease.

Anna also explained why it’s vitally important to be aware of the ingredients in any given drink - especially the caffeine, carbohydrate, salt and artificial sweetener content of the drinks in question. 

You can listen to the full segment through the player above.