New evidence published by academics at Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan in the British Dental Journal has revealed nearly 90 per cent of 12-14 year olds are consuming the high-sugar acidic drinks – despite being aware of the negative effects on general and dental health.
The study has concluded that children are drawn to these drinks by their branding. The children incorrectly believed that the drinks were being marketed at everybody, including their age group, despite these drinks only being intended for adults taking part in elite sport.
The study reveals that:
- 89 per cent of school children are consuming sports drinks, with 68 per cent drinking them regularly (one to 7 times per week), despite the fact that only 17 per cent think sports drinks are the ‘best’ option when undertaking exercise.
- 73 per cent of children correctly identified water, and only nine per cent milk, as suitable to be consumed when exercising.
- 45.9 per cent of the children surveyed believed that sports drinks were aimed at everyone, irrespective of age or activity level, whilst a further third of children viewed teenagers as the target market.
- The main brand logos (Lucozade Sport, Powerade and Gatorade) were well recognised by over 60 per cent of the children surveyed. Those that recognised the brands were more likely to drink them.
- 65 per cent of the children acknowledged sports drinks could lead to tooth decay, 49 per cent that they may erode teeth and 48 per cent that they may stain teeth.
Tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions among young children in Britain.
Dentists have called for energy drinks to be covered by the sugar levy and for restrictions to be placed on both marketing and display. In supermarkets, sports drinks are sold alongside regular soft drinks, giving the misleading impression they are for general use.
Sports drinks – containing carbohydrates, minerals, electrolytes and flavourings – are designed to replace fluid, sugars and electrolytes lost during exercise and sweating. They are typically acidic and often high in sugar, meaning that they risk causing enamel erosion and tooth decay, respectively. These drinks were originally developed to be consumed by athletes and people undertaking very intense or extended periods of exercise.
Mick Armstrong, chair of the BDA, 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. Cynical marketing is driving demand and it is time government drew a line.
“Big business is getting away with targeting children with products designed for athletes. High in both sugars and acids, these are not everyday drinks. And if they are going to be displayed alongside colas, they should be subject to the same taxes.
“Water remains the drink of choice when undertaking moderate exercise and is the safest option for both oral and general health.”
The study – Knowledge of and attitudes to sports drinks of adolescents living in South Wales UK – is published in the British Dental Journal.