Nutrition
Beverage BUZZ
ARE ENERGY AND SPORTS DRINKS GOOD FOR KIDS?
By Melanie J. Wilhelm, DNP, CPNP
Today’s ads market children, teens and young adults for energy drink sales. First introduced in 1997, these drinks are not regulated by the Food and Drug Admin- istration, and their long-term safety is not known. The American Academy of Pediat- rics states that they are not recommended for children. Even so, 30 to 50 percent of adolescents say that they consume energy drinks. The main ingredient of energy drinks is caffeine. Other substances such as guarana, which contains caffeine, may be present as well. Energy drinks can have as much caffeine as nine cans of soda or four cups of coffee!
Y Although caffeine is the world’s most
widely consumed stimulant, it can cause nervousness, increased blood pressure, irritability, sleeplessness and a rapid heartbeat, and may worsen psychiatric conditions. Higher doses may cause de- hydration, anxiety, panic attacks, stomach upset and heart palpitations. Most energy drinks are not calorie-free, thus contributing to excess nonnutritive calories. This use of unnecessary calories
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our child may ask, “Can I have this energy drink?” Don’t be surprised.
is contributing to obesity in America. Cur- rently, one-third of American children are overweight, and one-third of those kids are obese.
Sports Drinks Are for Sports Originally, sports drinks were intended for use in college athletics when practicing for long hours in the heat. Today, kids think that they are good for everyday lunch purposes. They contain calories, carbo- hydrates, electrolytes and flavoring. These are not recommended for children on a daily basis, and should be reserved for prolonged vigorous physical exercise. So what are our alternatives as parents?
If we say no to the energy drink at the grocery store, and no to the sports drink for lunch, then what should our children be drinking?
Best Drinks for Kids The best drinks for children are low-fat milk and water. Milk is available as 2 percent, 1 percent or skim, and any of those options is fine. Whole milk is only recommended for kids between 12 and 24 months of age. Milk contains essential calcium and vitamin D. Three to four cups
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