Medical Specialties Commons^™

Should Sports Drinks Be Given To Children And Adolescents Engaged In Athletics As An Effective Source Of Hydration?, Zeev W. Rubinson

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Dehydration in children and adolescents is a major concern for caretakers. Often children are not drinking enough, particularly while participating in physical activity. Utilizing data drawn from pediatricians, nutritionists, and bio-scientists, this paper will examine whether sports drinks are a good source of fluids for the exercising child. The results of the research indicate that the advantages generally associated with sports drinks, to achieve higher body water absorption levels, prevent electrolyte deficits, and maintain proper electrolyte/water concentrations, are reserved for unique circumstances. Sports drink intake should be encouraged only when the child is participating in prolonged physical activity, in intense …