When would it be appropriate to consider a sports drink instead of water to re-hydrate?

Sports drinks are appropriate for re-hydrating in situations where you have been engaging in prolonged or intense physical activity, such as running a marathon, playing a high-intensity sport, or working out for an extended period of time. In these situations, you may have lost a significant amount of fluids and electrolytes through sweat, making a sports drink a more effective option for re-hydrating and replenishing lost nutrients compared to plain water. Additionally, sports drinks can help provide a quick source of energy and help prevent muscle cramps during strenuous exercise.