Gatorade Sports Science Institute

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This article is part of the Center for Media & Democracy's spotlight on front groups and corporate spin.

The Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) is an industry-created advisory board, research and educational center focusing on sports nutrition and exercise. The institute was created by Pepsico, which owns Gatorade, to promote the ill effects of dehydration and the importance of hydration, particularly with Gatorade products, while exercising.[1]

According to a Center for Food Safety report the Institute is one of the best examples of marketing-driven science. Gatorade is extremely prevalent in both pro and amateur sports. Pepsico's mission is to legitimize and promote the necessity of Gatorade for an athlete's best performance. But the report also highlights the growing understanding of the link between sugary beverages and the increase in chronic diseases. It adds that although "sugary drinks" have been banned from many schools, "sports drinks" are still allowed because of the supposed health benefits.[2]

Contact Details

Gatorade Sports Science Institute
617 West Main Street
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 1-800-616-GSSI (4774)
Website: http://www.gssiweb.com/

Articles and resources

References

  1. Gatorade Sports Science Institute, "New Research Suggests That Dehydration Can Have a Game-Changing Negative Impact on the Performance of Adult Basketball Players", Media Release, PepsiCo, November 16, 2006.
  2. Michele Simon, The Best Public Relations Money Can Buy, Center for Food Safety report, May 2013.