Kids Should Not Consume Energy & Sports Drinks

Sport drinks and energy drinks are not for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics confirm these drinks are being marketed to children and adolescents and this is a big mistake for children.  This has created confusion about these drinks and parents are often unaware of the differences in these products. It is known that kids are drinking energy drink containing large amounts of caffeine when the real goal is only to rehydrate after exercise and/or sports. Kids are consuming large amount of caffeine and other ingredients such as Carbonated Water, Sucrose, Glucose, Citric Acid, Taurine, Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Caffeine, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine HCI, etc. which contain stimulants that can be dangerous to kids.

Sports drinks and energy drinks are totally different products and need to be viewed as different products when making the decision to allow your child to consume them.

Let’s look at the difference between the two popular drinks

Sports drinks contain carbohydrates, electrolytes, some minerals and artificial flavoring, are intended to replace water and electrolytes lost through physical activities, sweating, sports and exercise. If your child is engaging is a prolonged physical activity such as soccer, running, baseball, basketball, football etc. a sports drink might be considered. In most cases sports drinks are not intended on the sports field or the school lunchroom in children grades kindergarten thru a senior in high school. Pediatricians state that sports drinks contact a large amount of sugar and extra calories that children do not need. Parents need to be aware that sports drinks are NOT beverages and should not be given as a beverage for breakfast, lunch or dinner and not even a snack. The high sugar content can contribute to obesity and tooth decay. It is much better for children to drink water during and after exercise, and to have the recommended intake of juice and low-fat milk with meals.

For rehydration, a new study has found that chocolate milk is a better than sports drink for boosting recovery after exercise or sports. Researchers say that chocolate milk helps athletes exercise intensely without feeling tired, for 6 minutes longer than sports drinks.It helps replenish the muscle tissue and actually gives you a shorter recovery time.” … But flavored milk — be it chocolate, strawberry or vanilla — has a more beneficial ratio of carbohydrates to protein for muscle recovery and rebuilding

Energy drinks contain substances not found in sports drinks that act as stimulants, such as caffeine, guarana and taurine. Caffeine – by far the most popular stimulant – has been linked to a number of harmful health effects in children, including effects on the developing neurologic and cardiovascular systems. Energy drinks are never appropriate for children or adolescents, said. In general, caffeine-containing beverages, including soda, should be avoided.