Prime Hydration and Prime Energy Drinks are new must-have accessories that kids love, but parents like me don’t really get.
These oddly flavored drinks (Meta Moon and Ice Pop anyone?) have been around, according to my nonchalant 12-year-old, “for years,” but the bills to pay and to live For many of us adults with life, it is as if they had suddenly emerged into the global consciousness overnight.
So what is Prime?
Created by controversial YouTube megastar and UFC fighter Logan Paul and British boxer and rapper KSI, the duo is known for its colorfully packaged thirst-quenching beverages that are “the fastest growing in history.” It claims to be a “sports drink”.
And if your kids suddenly ask you to go to Woolworths to get some sweet prime, you can probably believe it.
An individual 500ml bottle of Prime Hydration retails for around $4.50 at most major retailers, but due to limited inventory, smaller stores sell for a higher price. Prime Energy Drink has been banned from retail shelves in Australia due to its caffeine content, but can be purchased online for around $20.
And it’s not just YouTubers and groups of teens lining up for a taste.
Kim Kardashian booked a prize spot on her Instagram feed this morning to pose with her son, St. bottom. Arsenal just announced a partnership with the energy drink mogul eight months ago, and Prime is his official UFC drink.
Should I worry about Prime?
In Australia, Prime Hydration is the only brand of sports drink available in stores, but it’s a different story online.
Prime Energy Drinks available from various resellers contain caffeine.What’s in 1 can of Prime Energy Drink Twice the legal limit Six times the amount found in regular caffeinated soft drinks, per Australian government regulations.
In simpler terms, one can of Prime Energy Drink is roughly equivalent to three cups of espresso coffee.
Above prime website Energy drinks are labeled “not suitable for under 18s,” but parents and teachers are concerned as the popular drink finds its way into homes and classrooms thanks to YouTube’s constant frenzy. increase.
Elementary school teacher Ellie* from New South Wales told Mama Mia that the kids in her third grade class, mostly boys, were going crazy.
“When choosing a table group name for this term, one group of 16 children unanimously agreed to call their table ‘Golden Prime’.
“One of the schoolboys in my class proudly pulled an empty bottle of Prime from his school bag last week and told everyone it would cost $15, a liquid scent he claimed ‘tasted like medicine.’ ‘, but drank it anyway.
“Just before the bell rang this morning, I had a parent stick a bottle of Prime in the school fence and give it to my 8 year old. No good!”
According to ABC this morning, many schools are now considering whether to ban the drink outright, but there’s no need to worry as the huge hype surrounding the product has caused it to run out of stock almost everywhere. It may not be.
Nutritionist and father of four Chris Hughes I did some more research on Prime. Sudden popularity, suitable for children.
“The sales to children went so well that the boys asked us to import them from America in October.” Mirzy said.
“Marketing to children via YouTube (a medium not meant to be watched by boys) is so effective that there is an avalanche of desire to buy.
Chris says that while many people can consume the product without issue, safety concerns concern children.
“First, let’s talk about the ingredients in Prime Hydration and Prime Energy. Although these drinks are claimed to be ‘naturally flavored,’ both contain sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. But these are certainly not “natural”.
“While sucralose is made by chlorinating a sugar molecule, acesulfame potassium is made by combining acetoacetate and potassium. Both of these sweeteners are considered safe when consumed in moderation. It doesn’t mean it’s bad for you because it’s healthy.”
Chris says he bought his kids their first bottle of Prime Hydration after looking at the label and seeing the hype.
“Printed on the side is a warning that the product is not safe for children under the age of 15 (yes, nutritionist and parent).
“However, after looking at the ingredients, I did not see anything that would be a potential health risk for children other than the ‘potential risks’ from the sweeteners above. Yes, these products may replace better alternatives such as water or milk. The risk of them wasting money was obvious, but I was of little concern given the imminent health risks.
Listen to Mama Mia’s podcast This Glorious Mess for Parents. Post continues below.
As for Prime Energy, he says it’s a different story.
“There are concerns that this product will be marketed to children due to its high caffeine content. Caffeine blocks the action of a neurotransmitter called adenosine that builds up in the brain the longer you are awake. Adenosine makes us feel tired and drowsy, and if sleep interferes with adenosine, it limits the depth and quality of sleep. This is a big concern.”
While no parent wants a child who can’t sleep (thanks Prime), Chris notes that many other concerns stemming from caffeine overdose include insomnia, heart palpitations, anxiety issues, and elevated blood pressure. He says there are issues.
“that [caffeine] It also interferes with the absorption of certain minerals such as calcium and iron, leading to deficiencies of these nutrients. For adults, 400mg daily is considered safe. However, be aware that this is too much for some people and not enough for others. However, no level is safe for children. Prime Hydration and Prime Energy may provide quick relief from dehydration and fatigue, but they are not without potential risks.”
Parents may need to stand firm on their children’s demands for good health, with experts like Chris advising their children not to binge on the energy version of Prime.
Laura Jaeckel is a family writer for Mama Mia.Follow her for links to her articles and photos of her outfits and her kids Instagram and Tick tock.
*Ellie is an acquaintance of Mama Mia, but her name has been changed to protect her privacy.
Featured Image: Instagram @Kim Kardashian / Canva / Included.
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