Canadian pediatricians not in favour of sports and energy drinks for kids and teens.

author-image
Meeshika Sharma
New Update
NULL

The Canadian Paediatric Society says that most children and teens shouldn't consume sports and energy drinks, and the products should no longer be marketed to them.

In a new position statement released today, the society said sports drinks are high in sugar, which contributes to the obesity epidemic as well as dental cavities.

Caffeinated energy drinks are claimed to reduce fatigue and improve concentration, but the stimulant caffeine may affect children and teens more than adults, given their smaller size and weight.

Dr. Catherine Pound, a pediatrician and researcher at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and a co-author of the statement said, "The vast majority of children should really just hydrate with water. It's the best thing for them."

Pound added consuming a lot of energy drinks with caffeine in a short period of time can cause serious side-effects, especially in those with underlying health conditions, such as children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)

The society also advocated for expanding legislation to prevent marketing of energy drinks to children and adolescents.

Advertisment