■ The benefits of sports drinks are appropriate only for
athletes or individuals engaging in prolonged vigorous
physical activity, and/or those activities performed in
high temperatures and humidity.
■ The average American child or adolescent does
not engage in enough physical activity to warrant
consumption of sports drinks.
■ Water and a balanced diet are recommended and
optimal for children and adolescents who do not
participate in high-intensity physical activity lasting
more than one hour.
■ Sports drinks are a source of added sugars and
contribute to excess energy intake.
■ Consumption of sports drinks may increase risk for
poor dental health.
■ Sports drinks are a source of sodium and contribute to
increasing sodium intakes among American youths.
■ Sports drinks may displace necessary nutrients for
growing youths.