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KIDS NEED TO STAY HYDRATED
WHAT ACTIVE CHILDREN NEED TO DRINK
As a mom and a sports nutritionist, Jackie Berning, Ph.D., R.D., knows how
important proper hydration can be for active kids.
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The Hydration Report Card outlines the ideal beverage formulation for active
kids. Several factors key to proper hydration were evaluated, including
carbohydrate energy (sugar), calories, electrolytes and carbonation. Based
on these criteria, the Report Card grouped beverages into three categories:
“Makes the Grade,” “OK if it’s the only thing available” and
“Falls Short.” In the “Makes the Grade” category are sports drinks like Gatorade. These drinks qualify because research shows their light flavor and sodium encourage kids to drink 90 percent more than plain water to stay better hydrated. The second category, “OK, if it’s the only drink available,” is where the report card put water. As most people would assume, water is a great thirst quencher, but it falls short because it doesn’t have electrolytes and flavor, so kids don’t drink enough to replace what they lose in sweat. “Falls Short” is the broadest category and includes fruit juices, fruit drinks and soft drinks. Dr. Berning explains that these beverages don’t deliver what children need when they’re active. |
“Fruit juices and drinks and soft drinks don’t have the right amount of
electrolytes and they contain too much sugar, which can cause stomach upset
and slow a child down,” she said. “Also in this category are products
that just add “sport” to their title or show sports imagery to imply
they’re good for sports, when they’re not. Don’t be fooled just
because the words ‘energy’ or ‘electrolytes’ appear on the package
it doesn’t mean the beverage is truly supplying the right amounts or types
of these ingredients.”
Dr. Berning says that the Report Card clearly illustrates the differences
between “sports drinks” and drinks for other occasions.
“It’s important to understand that some beverages are fine for meal
time, but what’s best at meal time often don’t deliver what kids need
when they’re active,” she said.
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