The story of… U of Florida football coaches noticed that their players were suffering from dehydration during games. Players were not “going” and their performance was poor. Players suffered from fatigue, cramping, and heat exhaustion.

They soon discovered two key factors that were causing the Gator players to ‘wilt’: Fluids and electrolytes the players lost through sweat were not being replaced Large amounts of carbohydrates the players’ bodies used for energy were not being replenished.

Researchers took their findings into the lab Scientifically formulated a new, precisely balanced carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage that would adequately replace the key components lost by Gator players through sweating and exercise.

In 1965, the first batch of Gatorade was tested on UF’s freshman football team. The players’ on-field performance was monitored and blood and urine samples were analyzed.

In the original study, players drinking a solution containing electrolytes and a 6% concentration of carbohydrates showed less dehydration, greater endurance, and fewer cramps than other athletes. Gatorade made the Florida Gators a “second half team,” and helped them win the Orange Bowl.