A new, first-of-its-kind survey conducted for the American Dietetic Association's sports nutrition practice group, SCAN (Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists), finds that many parents are confused about the right foods and fluids to give their kids who play sports.

The survey polled parents of children between the ages of six and 12 years old involved in organized sports. The key findings included:

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What Parents Thought	What Nutritionists Say
High protein diets build muscles. Nearly 60 percent of parents said a child should eat lots of high-protein foods to increase muscle size.	Active kids get muscles from a well-balanced diet (50 to 55 percent carbohydrate, 10 to 15 percent protein and 25 to 30 percent fat). Contrary to popular belief, extra protein doesn't mean bigger muscles since muscle size is dependent on adequate calories from a balanced diet, physical maturity, genetics and training. Most kids get adequate protein in their diets.
Drink when thirsty. More than 70 percent of parents said active kids should drink when they're thirsty instead of on a drinking schedule.	Active kids should drink on a schedule because thirst is a poor indicator of a child's (or adult's) hydration status. In fact, by the time a child is thirsty, they're probably already slightly dehydrated. Kids should be consistently reminded to drink before, during and after activity. Parents can tell kids to drink until they aren't thirsty: then drink a few more gulps. For fluid guidelines, click here.
Water rehydrates best. More than 67 percent of parents said water was the best fluid for rehydrating a young athlete participating in sports.	Sports drinks are best for active kids. Water is an adequate thirst quencher and also rehydrates, however research has shown kids drank 90 percent more of a flavored sports drink with electrolytes (sodium and potassium) than water to help kids stay better hydrated.
High protein diet is best. 37 percent, more than one-third of parents, said a high-protein diet is best for fueling a child's athletic performance.	Diets rich in carbohydrates are best because they provide the body's most important fuel for exercise. Despite the popularity of high-protein diets, they aren't based on sound research, especially when it comes to kids.
Only hot weather causes dehydration. Almost one-third of parents or more than 32 percent of those surveyed said their kids can't become dehydrated while playing outdoors when the temperature is less than 70 degrees.	Children can become dehydrated no matter what the temperature. It's critical for 6 to 12 year-olds to be properly hydrated because they have special fluid needs (among other things, they produce more heat, absorb more heat from the environment and don't sweat as effectively as adults do).

On the bright side, the survey found that:

• 85% of parents knew that an active child participating in sports requires does not require more vitamins than a child not involved in sports. "The majority of kids can get adequate vitamins through their daily diet, although as an insurance policy, parents can give their kids a daily vitamin supplement that meets 100% of recommended levels," says Dr. Steen.

• More than 50% of parents surveyed also recognized an ideal example of a pre-game meal was one high in carbohydrates, with more than 55 percent of parents selecting spaghetti with tomato sauce and bread as an appropriate pre-game meal. According to Dr. Steen, other pre-game meal pointers include making sure your kids have the right fluids to stay hydrated such as low-fat milk, water, fruit juice or a sports drink. For some examples of high carbohydrate meals, click here.

According to survey consultant and MomsTeam.com expert, Suzanne Nelson, D.Sc., R.D., the results of the survey confirm what she's seen first-hand for years. The results are cause for concern, given more than 30 million children and adolescents participate in organized sports in the United States each year, according to The American Academy of Pediatrics. Moreover, nearly half the parents surveyed indicated their kids are participating in organized sports, including games and practices, more than five hours per week. "Many parents and coaches are misinformed when it comes the best foods and fluids for their young athletes," said Dr. Steen. With all the conflicting nutrition information out there, parents are having a hard time separating fact from fiction and there's a huge need to get the right information out.

Article updated: August 22, 2007

Back to Top

Nutritional Needs Of Youth Athletes: An Overview
The Importance Of A High Carbohydrate Diet For Youth Athletes
A High-Carbohydrate Menu
A Days' Worth of Protein
Vitamins: A Primer
Why Youth Athletes Should Not Take Dietary Supplements
Electrolytes: A Primer
Special Fluid Needs Of Children
Fluid Guidelines For Young Athletes
How To Ensure That Your Child Gets Adequate Fluids While Playing Sports
The Warning Signs of Dehydration

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