The majority of teen-agers risk obesity and heart disease by drinking supposedly healthy sports drinks, experts warn. Some 68 percent of children drink sugar-packed sports drinks at least once a week, according to research by Cardiff University.
Few consume them to improve sporting performance, despite the fact they are sold as energy-boosting exercise drinks. Instead, half are drinking the heavily-marketed products for ‘social reasons’. Children are attracted to the products’ sweet taste, low price and availability.
Experts last night warned that the high sugar levels and acidic content increases the risk of obesity, type-two diabetes, heart disease and rotting teeth.
A 500ml bottle of Lucozade Sport, for instance, contains 18g of sugar – equivalent to four-and-a-half teaspoons – which is more than half an adult’s recommended daily limit.
Writing in the British Dental Journal, researchers said, “If consumed socially and in large quantities, sports drinks can lead to serious problems, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and gout, as well as poor oral health. Non-athletes are consuming these drinks simply because of their nice taste.”
Only 18 percent of children consume the drinks for the perceived performance-enhancing effect, with 90 percent buying for taste, and 50 percent for social reasons, the experts found.
Researcher Maria Morgan said, “The purpose of sports drinks is being misunderstood and this study clearly shows evidence of high school age children being attracted to these high-sugar and low-pH level drinks, leading to an increased risk of dental cavities, enamel erosion and obesity. Dental and health professionals should be aware of the popularity of sports drinks with children when giving health education or advice.”
Dr Paul Jackson, president of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine, said, “The proportion of children in this study who consume high carbohydrate drinks in a recreational non-sporting context is of concern. Sports drinks are intended for athletes taking part in endurance and intense sporting events.”
Researchers spoke to 160 children aged 12 to 14, in four South Wales schools. They found 89 percent consumed sports drinks, with 68 percent of them drinking the products regularly – defined as between daily and weekly.
Of those who said they consumed sports drinks, 89 percent said they had drunk Lucozade, 59 percent Powerade, 47 percent LSV, and 10 percent Gatorade.
Russ Ladwa, of the British Dental Association, said, “The rise of sports drinks as just another drink option among children is a cause for concern. They are laden with acids and sugars. Sports drinks are rarely a healthy choice, and marketing them to the general population is grossly irresponsible. Elite athletes might have reason to use them, but for almost everyone else they represent a risk to both their oral and general health.”
Gavin Partington, from the British Soft Drinks Association, said, “Sports drinks are designed for vigorous physical activity and should be consumed in moderation. This year soft drinks firms agreed not to advertise drinks high in sugar to under-16s.”