DepartmentProduct advisorPowering Up With Sports and Energy Drinks
Section snippets
What are the Ingredients?
Drink formulations for both sports and energy drinks vary widely, so it is difficult to make general statements about the harm or benefits that may be attributed to imbibing these drinks. Commonly available sports drinks (e.g., Gatorade, Hydrafuel, Powerade, and Isosport) contain about 6% to 8% carbohydrates, including glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Some of the newer beverages also include complex carbohydrates such as maltodextrin. Sports drinks contain important ingredients such as sodium,
Effects of Sports and Energy Drinks
Studies have indicated that both sports and energy drinks may cause altered perceptions regarding performance among teenagers. Researchers noted that athletes using sports drinks with both carbohydrates and protein subjectively perceived positive effects after using the drink during recovery from their activity, but no objective effects on performance were documented (Fahlstrom, Fahlstrom, Lorentzon, & Henriksson-Larsen, 2006).
A more ominous finding was noted with energy drinks. A recent fad
Do Sports and Energy Drinks have Adverse Effects?
Many children and adolescents who drink sports and energy beverages may take into account only the perceived benefits of consuming these beverages but never consider any adverse effects. In addition to the potential risks of unnecessary calories in sports and energy drinks, concerns have been raised about the potential risk of dental erosion from frequent contact with sports beverages. Research has been varied regarding this issue. Rees, Loyn, and McAndrew (2005) found that many sports drinks
Conclusions
Many parents are aware of food’s nutritional content, but fewer know about the ingredients of the beverages that their children are drinking. Nurse practitioners should incorporate questions about energy and sports drinks into routine care, especially for children and adolescents presenting with sleep problems or disturbances. To prevent any potential damage to teeth from these drinks, the beverages should be consumed quickly and not held or swished around in the mouth. Using a straw may
Mikki Meadows-Oliver is Assistant Professor, Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, Conn.
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Cited by (0)
Mikki Meadows-Oliver is Assistant Professor, Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, Conn.
Patricia Ryan-Krause is Associate Professor, Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, Conn.