Sports drinks help fuel ‘epidemic’ of tooth decay, claim
SPORTS drinks offer no health benefits to children and are helping fuel an “epidemic” of tooth decay, a new study claims.
Academics at Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University found that nearly 90% of 12 to 14-year-olds are consuming sports drinks such as Lucozade Sport, Powerade, and Gatorade.
Their study found that more than two-thirds (68%) of teens and preteens drink them regularly – between one and seven times per week – despite only 17% thinking sports drinks are the “best” option when undertaking exercise.
The British Dental Association (BDA) says these products have high levels of sugar and can have a negative impact on dental and overall health.
The study, published in the British Dental Journal, has concluded that children are drawn to these drinks by their branding.
Researchers say the children incorrectly believed the drinks were being marketed at everybody – including their age group – despite them only being intended for adults taking part in elite sport.
BDA chairman Mick Armstrong said: “Sports drinks offer no health benefits to children and are helping fuel an epidemic of tooth decay. It’s no accident that we are seeing such high levels of consumption among children.”
Sports drinks, which contain carbohydrates, minerals, electrolytes and flavourings, are designed to replace fluid, sugars and electrolytes lost during exercise. They are typically acidic and often high in sugar, meaning that they risk causing enamel erosion and tooth decay. On Lucozade Sport’s website it does state that the products are unsuitable for children.
Gavin Partington, director general at British Soft Drinks Association, said: “Any food and drink that contains sugar and is acidic should be consumed in moderation, particularly by children.”
The Department of Health says sports drinks will be given an additional tax under the soft drinks industry levy. A questionnaire was given to 180 children aged 12 to 14 years old across four high schools in south Wales.