PepsiCo, manufacturers of Gatorade, categorically state on their “Nutrition & Ingredients FAQ” section on their website that Gatorade Thirst Quencher does not contain any fruit juice. The manufacturers also clarify that any grapefruit in Gatorade is present only as a flavoring and that flavor cannot interact with drugs and hence there is no cause for concern.
However, there is no mention of whether there is any grapefruit or grapefruit flavor in Gatorade Endurance Formula. It is advisable to read the Gatorade nutrition facts on the label of the bottle before consumption.
People having high blood pressure must also consider the ingredients in Gatorade. Ingredients in Gatorade are as follows:
- Water
- High fructose corn syrup
- Sucrose syrup
- Citric acid
- Natural flavor
- Salt
- Sodium citrate
- Monopotassium phosphate
- Modified food starch
- Red 40
- Glycerol ester of rosin
Firstly, Gatorade is high in sodium which is obviously not good for blood pressure levels. Gatorade Thirst Quencher contains 110 mg of sodium per 8 ounces, while Gatorade Endurance Formula contains 200 mg per 8 ounces.
Also, studies indicate that consumption of high fructose (one of the ingredients of Gatorade) in the form of added sugars could be linked to the high blood pressure levels in adults in the United States, who otherwise had no history of hypertension.
Another ingredient, sucrose syrup (liquefied table sugar) adds to calories in Gatorade. Regular intake of sucrose syrup may cause obesity, eventually leading to conditions like high blood pressure.
References:
- https://cu.pepsico.com/gatorade/gatorade-nutrition-faqs
- http://www.gatorade.com/Content/pdf/EF_FAQ.pdf
answered by G M