Both Pedialyte and Gatorade have well-established reputations for replacing needed fluids and electrolytes in the body. From children with colds, to professional athletes, these two drinks have been there to get the body back where it needs to be and replenishing vital fluids. Preventing dehydration and adding more water to the system are the types of important jobs that these two beverages perform and they do them well. When comparing the two, there are other factors that should be looked at as well, and then a winner can possibly be named.
Independent Characteristics
While Gatorade has some good qualities that can help slightly older kids that need rehydration, Pedialyte is most likely to win out when taking about younger children. The sugar levels in Gatorade mixed versus the mildness of the Pedialyte formula makes Pedialyte a better bet for children who have been vomiting or sweating. Children may prefer the flavor of Gatorade over most versions of Pedialyte and that may come into play when trying to get them to drink it. They both are better options than most other non-water drinks for them.
In sports and athletic competition, Gatorade is the brand that everyone knows and it is usually thought of as the go to drink for sports stars. Pedialyte has actually been tried within the sporting community and some athletes use it instead of Gatorade to replace fluids. The warm outdoor events and physical strain that athletes go through during competitions can make them lose enough fluids to validate the use of Pedialyte and many do use it.
Nutritional Value
The newer lines of Gatorade have been made with more sodium and less calories to help improve their place in the market. While Pedialyte can do a good job of restoring lost fluids and electrolytes in athletes, it is still widely thought of as a drink that will not measure up with Gatorade when trying to get the body ready for peak performance. It can be a safe alternative for athletes who do not drink Gatorade or do not have any within reach.
Those who have stomach illnesses and need to rehydrate can do well with both Gatorade and Pedialyte. They both do a good job of getting stool consistency to where it should be and can keep people hydrated. Those who are lacking a significant amount of potassium may be better off using Pedialyte since Gatorade does not seem to do as good a job at addressing that issue. The amount of sugar in Gatorade may also upset the stomach more if it is already in pain and this should be considered before drinking it.
Both of these beverages have their good points and they share more similarities than differences. The choice of these two could come down to the individual and what their body needs. Personal preference may be the deciding factor when they both can do the job and they both seem to live up their outstanding reputations. They both also need to be used properly in order to give the best results.