Power drink is a catch-all term that includes sports drinks. KidsHealth website calls power drinks anything from sports beverages to vitamin waters to "high-energy" supplement drinks. The common denominator is that all these beverages have ingredients designed to "do" something extra for you, such as boost energy, nutrition or athletic performance.
Sports Drinks
The American Beverage Association notes that sports drinks, such as Gatorade, were designed with athletes in mind. They're intended to help people quickly replenish electrolytes and carbohydrates that are lost during physical activity or in hot weather. KidsHealth notes that they may be a good choice for child athletes because the added sugar may encourage some kids to drink more. However, that sugar also adds calories, and sports drinks "are not necessary for the casual athlete."
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are sometimes confused with sports drinks, but they have a different purpose. The American Beverage Association notes that energy drinks, such as Red Bull or Full Throttle, are not designed specifically to rehydrate. They have a "pick-me-up" quality that comes from caffeine and other ingredients. The University of California reports that a single serving of an energy drink may contain 72 to 150 mg of caffeine, but many of these drink bottles contain 2 to 3 servings. For comparison, a cup of coffee may contain 134 to 240 mg of caffeine. Energy drinks also contain added sugar.
Vitamin Waters
Vitamin waters also fall under the category of power drinks because they're designed to provide supplemental vitamins and minerals. These products come in a variety of flavors and ingredient combinations, and are also known as fitness waters or enhanced waters. They may contain caffeine and extra calories, sweeteners and herbal ingredients. KidsHealth warns they may provide too much of a good thing if you're already taking vitamins.
Effectiveness
Sports drinks can provide benefits to athletes, but the effectiveness of energy drinks is less certain. The University of California reports there is "limited evidence" that energy drinks can significantly improve physical and mental performance, and it warns that consuming two or more of these drinks in a day may give you too much caffeine. Excess caffeine intake can upset your stomach or cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, abnormal heart rhythms or decreased bone levels.
Warning
Power drink consumption is on the rise, especially among children, and that's a cause for concern. When children opt for power drinks rather than water, they're getting additional ingredients that may not be good for them. The drinks have more calories and sugar, which may contribute to obesity in young people. They may provide an excess of some vitamins, which can be harmful to a child's health. And excessive caffeine can affect attention and concentration levels.
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