Electrolytes are salt minerals that conduct electricity and balance essential body fluids. Electrolyte imbalances, from dehydration or excessive sweating, can have serious health consequences.

Gatorade G2 is a reduced-calorie electrolyte replacement, or sports drink, made by the Pepsi-Cola Company. Each 12-oz. bottle contains 40 calories and 10g of carbohydrates for energy in the form of sugars. The beverage is available in three flavors: orange, strawberry kiwi and grape.

Gatorade had its beginnings in 1965 at the University of Florida, home of the Gators sports teams. Athletes at the school continually battled dehydration in the Florida heat, and researchers tackled the problem by combining water, carbohydrates and electrolytes to solve the problem.

Although the supplement marketplace is crowded with options, CytoSport Muscle Milk, a high-protein meal-replacement supplement, is particularly well-known. This supplement is often used by bodybuilders and other athletes looking to gain muscle weight with limited fat gain.

Sales of sports drinks in the United States are expected to reach $2 billion by 2016, as reported by Boston.com in 2012. Americans certainly seem convinced these hydrating drinks offer plenty of benefits. Most people don't need to guzzle electrolyte-enhanced beverages, such as Gatorade or Powerade, on a regular basis.

Energy drinks are beverages that supply caffeine and a combination of various ingredients designed to increase energy levels. One of the manufacturers of energy drinks is Monster Energy. Monster produces six different types of products, with over 13 flavors of energy drinks alone. DailyFinance.

An energy drink is a functional food product that many people use to improve their mental focus or physical strength. Sugar is a fuel source in some energy drinks, but people who are limiting their calories or carbohydrates might prefer a sugar-free energy drink.

Powerade and Gatorade are brands of sports energy drinks, but although they share many similarities, such as the inclusion of electrolytes, nutritional differences set the two brands apart from each other.

Energy drinks are popular beverages promoted as energy enhancers. They are usually carbonated and contain caffeine or other stimulants, such as ginseng and tea extracts.

Monster drinks are energy-enhancing beverages that contain a blend of stimulating herbs and nutrients. There are several different types of Monster drinks, from coffee to carbonated fruit-flavored beverages.