Nutri Courses

Advisory

Electrolyte drinks

Ion beverages contain electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and other minerals, which help maintain fluid balance in the body. They are primarily designed for athletes and people who sweat intensively, as electrolytes lost through sweating need to be replenished. These beverages often also contain carbohydrates to provide energy.

Good day,
what is your opinion on the use of electrolyte drinks for children during football or running practices? This is for a regular leisure club, not elite sports. For example, we were recommended the Penco Junior Sport Drink, which is supposedly specially made for young children.
I also came across the joint supplement Geladrink Junior. It is a preparation to support the proper growth of bones and can be used until the growth period is completed. Is this supplement really beneficial for children, or can all their needs be met with a balanced diet and sports?

I am not an advocate of using sports nutritional supplements for young children, as it is mostly a well-developed marketing business by manufacturers. Isotonic drinks are only necessary for top athletes. The rest of the world does not fully utilize the potential of these products; they are completely unnecessary for normal sports activities because the body, with a (relatively) balanced diet, has access to all the necessary components for continuous performance for at least 2 hours. If you are concerned about the development of the skeletal system, focus primarily on the dietary concept, specifically sufficient protein and calcium intake, as these factors are the most decisive. If you do not have your diet set up this way, it makes some sense to reach for this category of products, but keep in mind that it is not a solution, rather a stopgap measure.

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.

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