As the NBA final begin, I’d like to point out the American Academy of Pediatricians’ new position paper on energy (caffeine) and sports (sugar) drinks.

They express concerns about the marketing of these drinks to young people.

Sports and energy drinks are being marketed to children and adolescents for a wide variety of inappropriate uses. Sports drinks and energy drinks are significantly different products, and the terms should not be used interchangeably…

With children and adolescents, careful consideration is necessary when selecting a beverage to hydrate before, during, or after exercise and outside of physical activity to prevent excessive sugar and caloric intake that may encourage dental erosion, overweight, and obesity.1

Pediatric athletes can benefit from using sports drinks that contain carbohydrates, protein, or electrolytes; however, for the average child engaged inroutine physical activity, the use of sports drinks in place of water on the sports field or in the school lunch room is generally unnecessary…

Low-fat milk is a good option for use as a postexercise protein-recovery drink.

So, enjoy the Finals, but also consider playing some basketball with the kids – and hydrating with plain ol’ water!