Put down those energy drinks, new study says

Forget those widely promoted and seemingly ubiquitous energy drinks that target teenagers and children. Have your kids drink water instead.

A new clinical study, "Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are They Appropriate?" urges parents to discourage the consumption of these products. Sports drinks confer little benefit, and energy drinks are actually harmful for children and adolescents, according to the study.

"There are a lot of concerns about these drinks," said Dr. Marcie Beth Schneider, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition and a co-author, with Dr. Holly J. Benjamin, a member of the AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness, of the report, which is published in the June 2011 issue of Pediatrics. "Families and other doctors are asking about these drinks."

Sports drinks contain carbohydrates, electrolytes, flavorings and other nutrients that can provide a quick replenishment of electrolytes and water that athletes lose as they sweat. Energy drinks are meant as stimulants. Many contain high amounts of caffeine, as well as other substances like guarana and taurine. Caffeine is known to have harmful effects on children, and can raise the heart rate and increase anxiety. With many children and teenagers taking medications like Ritalin for conditions like ADD/ADHD, the interaction may be even more harmful.

"Energy drinks have more potential for harm," said Dr. Schneider. "The stimulant content is not appropriate for children and adolescents. Caffeine is an addictive substance. You can see withdrawal symptoms. These things are widely used, and you don't necessarily know what's in them. The bigger issue is that there are lethal doses of caffeine."

While "sports drinks have a place with an athlete," said Dr. Schneider, she's clear that the study refers to young athletes who are engaging in vigorous physical activity for at least an hour.

"Are they (sports drinks) harmful?," said Dr. Schneider. "No. Are they necessary? No."
Another concern is that children and teenagers are consuming too many calories through carbohydrate containing sports drinks, leading to dental problems, overweight and obesity.

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—Merri Rosenberg