This is particularly important during hot summer weather, says Brian Timmons, research director of the child health and exercise medicine programme at McMaster, and principal investigator of the study.
“Children become dehydrated during exercise, and it’s important they get enough fluids, particularly before going into a second round of a game,” he says. “Milk is better than either a sports drink or water because it’s a source of high quality protein, carbohydrates, calcium and electrolytes.”
He added that milk replaces sodium lost in sweat and helps the body retain fluid better. As well, the milk provides protein needed by children for muscle development and growth, which is not found in the other drinks.
The study of children aged 8-10 involved exercising in a climate chamber, then receiving a drink and being measured for hydration.
Timmons, an assistant professor of pediatrics of the Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, said active children and adults usually don’t drink enough to stay hydrated during exercise, so they often have a ‘hydration disadvantage’ when they start their next period of exercise.
He said that 1% dehydration can have up to a 15% decrease in performance, with an increased heart rate, core temperature and less ability to keep going. More significant dehydration comes with an increased risk of heat-related illness such as heat stroke.
The study is funded by Dairy Farmers of Canada.
Source: McMaster University
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