Assessment of Consumption Habits and Attitude Regarding Sports Drinks, Sugar Sweetened Beverages and Aerated Soft Drinks in Children Involved in Organized Sports in New Delhi

Abstract

Aim: To assess consumption pattern of Sports drinks, Sugar sweetened beverages and Aerated soft drinks and evaluate dental erosion among children involved in sports in New Delhi, India. Design:A cross-sectional study was done to assess the consumption habits of sports drinks and soft drinks among children playing organized sports in New Delhi. The sample comprised of 300 children aged 6 to 18 years attending various sports training programs. A close-ended structured questionnaire was used to evaluate consumption patterns of young athletes. Intra oral examination was done to evaluate dental erosion and to understand the association with consumption habits of acidic drinks. Results:The present study showed that 61% participants were not aware of what a "Sports drink" was and 30% thought that they were good for oral health. Of all the participants, 20.3% consumed it once a day and 5.7% consumed it more than once a day. Sugar sweetened beverages and aerated soft drinks were consumed more than once a day by 49.4% and 43.7% subjects, respectively. Dental erosion was high among children who consumed sports drinks, aerated soft drinks and was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion:Knowledge about sports drinks was inadequate which indicates an urgent need for preventive and promotive programs for children, coaches and parents in New Delhi, India.