Marketing of sports / energy drinks is everywhere – but how beneficial or detrimental are they to young athletes & active children?
Sports drinks and energy drinks are perceived by active children and adolescents to provide energy, optimise their performance and replenish lost electrolytes. With all the marketing that accompanies these products it is often easy for children and even parents to lose track of which are effective at hydrating and which are actually providing an excess of sugar which can lead to weight gain or dental erosion.
According to research children and adolescents, even those participating in sports do not require additional stimulants from energy drinks in their diets.
While junior athletes can benefit from sports drinks that contain carbohydrates, protein or electrolytes these are not routinely necessary on the sports field or at lunch. Water and a good diet are the best sources for hydration and nutrition!
For further support or advice, please contact our physios for specialist assistance.
Title: Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are They Appropriate?
Source: http://re.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/sports%20drinks.pdf
Read time: 15 minutes