Why elite athletes swear by anti-cramp drinks—despite the science

Anti-cramp drinks have become a familiar sight on the sidelines of top-level sports. Clubs like Real Madrid keep small vials of the solution near their benches, with players often seen taking quick sips during matches. Despite their growing popularity, these drinks don't work in the way many assume—yet athletes from football to tennis swear by them.

The solution used by teams like Real Madrid comes in a 60 ml vial, marketed as a way to prevent muscle cramps. However, it doesn't actually stop contractions once they start. Instead, it triggers a neurological reflex in the mouth and throat, sending signals to the nervous system that may reduce cramping. The taste has been compared to pickle juice by one photographer who tried it.

The core ingredients typically include vinegar, sodium, potassium, vitamins (such as C and D), zinc, and sometimes a touch of dill. Players don't always finish the entire shot, as the effect relies on stimulating receptors in the oropharynx rather than rehydration or electrolyte replacement.

High-profile athletes—including footballer Édouard Mendy, tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, and basketball player Frances Tiafoe—have used these drinks. Research suggests they can be effective, though they're not a substitute for proper training, hydration, or nutrition. Experts still recommend managing fatigue, drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet, and consuming potassium-rich foods like bananas to prevent cramps in the first place.

While anti-cramp drinks have gained traction among elite athletes, their role remains specific. They don't replace hydration or good nutrition but instead act as a short-term aid by targeting nerve responses. For now, they stay a small but notable part of sports science—kept close to the bench for when cramps threaten to disrupt performance.