April 2, 2007
Exercise and Sports, Meal Planning, Food and Diet
Question from Norwalk, Iowa, USA:
At the Walk for the Cure, they were advertising an energy drink for diabetics, called XS Energy Drink. It has 0 grams of carbohydrates, 8 calories, and a multitude of B-Vitamins, Ginseng, and caffeine. The sweeteners used are Ace-K and Sucralose. My daughter is very active in her early morning soccer games. Do you think this sounds like a safe product for her consumption before physical activity?
Answer:
The drink you describe sounds like a safe drink with acceptable artificial sweeteners, although these products tend to be a bit pricey and most of the time unnecessary. I would advise your daughter to think of consuming another type of drink (one with a few more grams of carbohydrates) before or during strenuous activity in order to prevent hypoglycemia. An example might be diluted Gatorade or Powerade.
JMS
