Energy drinks, hydration sachets, and protein shakes are just a few of the products that Brits spend ￡600 a year on in an effort to boost their health, but it turns out, that half of them (50 per cent) don’t trust the ingredients, according to new research.

       But it’s not just those who are looking to keep fit that are downing sports drinks and nutrition supplements. Half of those who don’t often exercise (51%) buy them, including a remarkable 85 per cent of all 18 to 24-year-olds because of their alleged benefits like boosting energy and enhancing performance.

       Of the 2,000 adults surveyed, the new research, by Perple, reveals that one in three feels duped (34%) by the sports drinks and nutrition industry when told about the potential side effects of artificial ingredients, specifically maltodextrin, which causes energy spikes and crashes, gastrointestinal problems and can elevate the risk of inflammatory bowel disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

       In July 2023, aspartame, another synthetic component in most sports and energy drinks was labelled by WHO (World Health Organization) as ‘possibly carcinogenic’. Despite this, it remains rife in most category products, leaving one in four Brits (39%) worried.

       Four-time F1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel, commented: “I tried lots of products that promised to improve my performance. The reality is they didn’t and I was left with unpleasant side effects like stomach cramps. The industry for sports drinks, gels and powders is in desperate need of change. Perple represents exactly that change and that’s why I’m involved”

       Perple founder & CEO, Jason Baits-Tomlin comments: “The sports drink and nutrition industry is over-complicated, poorly regulated and awash with misleading information.

       "It is time for it to evolve. Perple enables everyday enthusiasts and professional athletes, like Sebastian, to achieve optimum performance in a simple healthier way by using entirely all natural ingredients, such as sweet potato, coconut water, brown rice and agave.

       "Regardless of whether you are enjoying a weekend park run, or competing at the Paris Olympics Perple is the most convenient, natural way to get your body the nutrition it needs, to be at your best, and feel great with absolutely no side effects.”

       Perple sports drinks and endurance mixes are available online now from www.drinkperple.com or on Amazon.