Powerade in Sports Drinks

Can kids have sports drinks during practice?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your teen or child over the age of four can have a sports drink if they are performing vigorous or strenuous exercise. However, it's always a good idea to offer water, too. Sports drinks tend to have a lot of sugar in them, so drink them in moderation.

Does "zero sugar" mean a sports drink is not sweetened?

Sports drinks labeled "zero sugar" are usually sweetened with a sugar alternative, like stevia, sucralose, aspartame, or xylitol. Foods and beverages with this label should have less than 0.5 milligrams of sugar and have fewer than five calories.

Do sports drinks have nutritional value?

Sports drinks can be hydrating, which is good when you've been active and sweating or potentially when you're sick and losing fluids through vomiting or diarrhea. They can also help replenish important electrolytes you might lose through fluid when you sweat or get sick, like potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium. Always check the label to understand what exactly is in your sports drink.