Name a key benefit of sports drinks during prolonged exercise.

During prolonged exercise, maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance is crucial for performance and overall health. Sports drinks are specifically formulated to address these needs by providing water, electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, and carbohydrates for energy. As athletes sweat, they lose not only water but also vital electrolytes that are necessary for muscle function and fluid balance within the body. By replenishing these lost electrolytes and providing hydration, sports drinks help to maintain endurance, reduce the risk of cramping, and support optimal physiological function during extended physical activity.

While other options may highlight aspects of nutrition and exercise, they do not directly address the primary purpose of sports drinks during prolonged exertion. Options focusing on muscle gain, fat oxidation, or recovery meal replacement are not relevant to the immediate needs of an athlete engaged in extended activities.