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Is It Safe To Give Spark Energy Drink To Children?

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Posted on Mon, 22 Jun 2015
Question: My daughter wants to give my ten year old grandson the energy drink Spark"?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Not recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM

Spark is well known for its energy booster effects and flavours. But it is a caffeinated drink with 120 mg caffeine per fl. oz cup. It's never advisable to go for caffeinated products especially for children.

Most parents wouldn't dream of giving their kids a mug of coffee, but might routinely serve soft drinks containing caffeine. Foods and drinks with caffeine are everywhere, but it's wise to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially in younger kids.

These drinks can have following unwanted effects on your child:

1. Caffeinated beverages often contain empty calories (calories that don't provide any nutrients), and kids who fill up on them don't get the vitamins and minerals they need from healthy sources, putting them at risk for nutritional deficiencies.

2. There are more chances of obesity.

3. They are not as good as water to maintain hydration in hot weather because caffeine also has mild diuretic effect.

4. and not but the least, abruptly stopping caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms (headaches, muscle aches, temporary depression, and irritability), especially for those who are used to consuming a lot of it.

A healthy diet with plenty of fluids is always a better way of nutrition in any child. I hope this will help you to convince your daughter.

Take care and have a nice day.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Archana Verma (16 minutes later)
What about other ingredients in Spark not good for children?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
good balanced diet is best

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

There are vitamins and minerals which can help in some ways but he can very well get them from a good balanced diet. We are usually attracted to them but they are not good enough to replace a proper diet.
As I mentioned earlier, these drinks many a times replace the normal urge for a good diet and fluids, which is not in good interest for children.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Archana Verma

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 1129 Questions

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Is It Safe To Give Spark Energy Drink To Children?

Brief Answer: Not recommended Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to the HCM Spark is well known for its energy booster effects and flavours. But it is a caffeinated drink with 120 mg caffeine per fl. oz cup. It's never advisable to go for caffeinated products especially for children. Most parents wouldn't dream of giving their kids a mug of coffee, but might routinely serve soft drinks containing caffeine. Foods and drinks with caffeine are everywhere, but it's wise to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially in younger kids. These drinks can have following unwanted effects on your child: 1. Caffeinated beverages often contain empty calories (calories that don't provide any nutrients), and kids who fill up on them don't get the vitamins and minerals they need from healthy sources, putting them at risk for nutritional deficiencies. 2. There are more chances of obesity. 3. They are not as good as water to maintain hydration in hot weather because caffeine also has mild diuretic effect. 4. and not but the least, abruptly stopping caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms (headaches, muscle aches, temporary depression, and irritability), especially for those who are used to consuming a lot of it. A healthy diet with plenty of fluids is always a better way of nutrition in any child. I hope this will help you to convince your daughter. Take care and have a nice day.