Subject: SPORTS DRINKS AND ENERGY DRINKS
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Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:21:58 -0400

Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks

Are they appropriate?

By
Lisa Lones RN BSN, School Nurse

Sports and energy
drinks are being marketed to children and adolescents for a wide variety of
inappropriate uses.  These drinks
are very different products and should not be used interchangeably.  Sports drinks are flavored beverages
that contain carbohydrates, minerals and electrolytes.  Their purpose is to replace water and
electrolytes lost through sweating during exercise. They are helpful for
athletes engaged in prolonged vigorous physical activities.  Sports drinks contain extra calories
that are not needed and could lead to weight gain and tooth decay.  Examples of sports drinks are Propel,
Gatorade and Clif.

Energy drinks contain
stimulants, such as caffeine and guarana along with carbohydrates, protein,
animo acids, vitamins, sodium and other minerals.  Guarana is a stimulant
that contains twice the caffeine found in coffee beans.  Caffeine has been linked to a number of
harmful health effects in children.
Examples of energy drinks are Monster, Mio energy, Red bull and
Rockstar.

Water, not sports
drinks should be the
principal source of hydration for children and adolescents.  Water is also generally the appropriate
first choice for hydration before, during and after exercise. Low fat milk is a
good option for use as a post exercise protein recovery drink.