Principal author(s)

Catherine M Pound, Becky Blair; Canadian Paediatric Society, Nutrition and Gastroenterology Committee

Abstract

Sports drinks and caffeinated energy drinks (CEDs) are commonly consumed by youth. Both sports drinks and CEDs pose potential risks for the health of children and adolescents and may contribute to obesity. Sports drinks are generally unnecessary for children engaged in routine or play-based physical activity. CEDs may affect children and adolescents more than adults because they weigh less and thus experience greater exposure to stimulant ingredients per kilogram of body weight. Paediatricians need to recognize and educate patients and families on the differences between sport drinks and CEDs. Screening for the consumption of CEDs, especially when mixed with alcohol, should be done routinely. The combination of CEDs and alcohol may be a marker for higher risk of substance use or abuse and for other health-compromising behaviours.

Keywords: Alcohol; Caffeine; CEDs; Energy drinks; Sports drinks

Why Water Remains the Optimal Hydration Choice for Children

The marketing of sports and energy drinks to children has grown substantially over the past two decades, with youth-targeted advertising spending exceeding $1 billion annually. Despite this, the clinical evidence consistently supports water — particularly clean, filtered water — as the optimal hydration choice for children of all ages engaged in typical daily activities and sports.

Sports drinks contain 14–17 grams of sugar per 8-ounce serving (comparable to soda), along with sodium, potassium, and artificial flavors. While electrolyte replacement is clinically justified for endurance athletes who sweat heavily over 60+ minute sessions, the average child consuming sports drinks during recreational soccer practice or gym class does not need electrolyte supplementation. The added sugar instead drives caloric surplus, dental enamel erosion (due to acidic pH of 2.5–3.5), and habituated preference for sweet beverages over water.

Caffeinated energy drinks present a more serious risk profile. A standard 8-ounce energy drink contains 80–150 mg of caffeine — equivalent to 1–2 cups of coffee — along with stimulants such as taurine, guarana, and B-vitamins. Because children weigh significantly less than adults, their effective caffeine dose per kilogram of body weight is 2–4 times higher for the same volume consumed. Health Canada and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend zero caffeine consumption for children under 12 and limited consumption for adolescents (maximum 100 mg/day).

High-quality filtered water — free from chlorine byproducts, lead, and microplastics — is the foundation of healthy childhood hydration. Reverse osmosis and carbon-filtered water systems remove taste and odor compounds that drive children toward flavored alternatives, making clean water more appealing for daily consumption.