Concerns about energy drinks and kids

Is your child seeing the ads for energy drinks and asking you to add them to your grocery list?

I just an article about the effects of energy drinks on kids. To read all the facts and studies listed, read the full article.

Here are some key points you should consider before buying energy drinks for kids:

• Key element to energy drinks is the caffeine. - Read the ingredients on the label if you are not sure.

• The FDA does not regulate how much caffeine can be in an energy drink

• Some energy drinks can have over 200 milligrams of caffeine. One cup of coffee contains about 100 milligrams of caffeine

• Teens tend to drink more than one energy drink

• Dehydration can be a concern because kids may think they are hydrating themselves after intense sports (or before) when in fact caffeine is a diuretic (makes your body lose water)

• Side effects of caffeine that are important to keep in mind for children include: sleep disturbance, headaches that can lead to decreased concentration and overall function, dehydration, and anxiety.

Healthy beverage tips from our newsletter: Nourish Healthy Kids

• There are flavored water or club soda with zero calories that are better options.

• Start your young kids off right when they are little. Avoid offering children soda and punch.

• Limit juice but do offer two cups a day of non-fat or 1% milk. It’s great for children older than two to provide calcium and vitamin D (whole milk is fine from ages 1 to 2).

• Do offer water through out the day(try a keeping cold pitcher in the frig).

• Add slices of lemon or squeeze a little bit of fresh orange juice to water to add some flavor.

If your child plays sports like volleyball, basketball or soccer, it is important to drink water 20 minutes prior to your practice or game. Their body sweats off fluid to keep cool. So, if your children are super active and/or it is really hot, remember to have them drink every 20 minutes or so including after their game. To read more about keeping kids hydrated with healthy drinks- see our nutrition article: healthier drinks for kids