These drinks are high in electrolytes and simple sugars. Water has electrolytes but special drinks have a higher concentration. The increased concentration allows for higher absorption into muscle cells. Foods containing starch, sugar, protein, and other compound categories should be used to replenish the athlete's body following competition. This is especially important if the athlete is planning on competing in the near future.
Intense action diminishes the body's stored compounds.
The amount of replenishment needed varies with the activity and the athlete. Exceptional athletes can become drained of energy if they have not taken in the correct dietary supplements before engaging in a sport. Knowing the proper supplements can increase stamina when it is needed. The importance of an appropriate diet has been overlooked in the past. Though conditioning, strength, speed, etc. are still very important to an athlete's success, nutrition has become a contributing factor in peak performance.