What are the ingredients in powerade and gatorade?

Question

I have to create a fictitious beverage for a school assignment, so I chose a sports drink. I basically need to know about the ingredients in powerade and gatorade and how are they beneficial/bad for your health. For example, artificial sweeteners, flavours, colours, etc... I need to preferably know the chemical numbers as well if possible.

Answer 1

You're lucky I have a few extra minutes to transcribe this for you this morning.  And that I'm feeling helpful.

Gatorade (regular stuff; powder mix; flavor "riptide rush"):

[water], "sucrose, dextrose, citric acid, natural flavors, salt, sodium citrate, monopotassium phosphate, calcium silicate (a flow agent), ascorbic acid (to promote color retention), red 40, blue 1."

As for the chemical numbers, you'll have to check all that yourself.

So far as I know, the drink's purpose is to replace carbohydrates and electrolytes during and after exercise.

My guess?  Sugars and salts, pretty much.  The simple sugars (sucrose and dextrose) provide the carbs.  The salts replace salt lost in sweating.  

I'm in doubt as to how necessary the drink is, since the rest of my daily diet has more than enough sodium, carbs, and sugar (both refined and in fruits).  But respected exercise books I've read recommend drinking an electrolyte drink during exercise, so I'm giving it a go.  I've noticed no performance difference at all -- but that's just my experience.