There are some significant effects of sports drinks on you and your exercise performance. The primary effect of sports drinks is to replace water and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, lost during the process of sweating. In addition, sports drinks contain sugar in the form of sucrose, glucose, or fructose, which have the function of replacing lost carbohydrate stores and serve as a source of energy during an intense workout. Finally, if you run outdoors or participate in longer, more intense workouts, the effects of sports drinks may work in your favor by providing you the energy needed to sustain your high level workout as well as protect you from dehydration and electrolyte loss. In summary, the effects of sports drinks are that they help to prevent a serious loss of fluids and electrolytes as well as help to maintain good exercise performance. If you choose the right sports drink and use it appropriately, you running and exercise performance may enhanced and your sports performance improved.