Are Prime drinks OK for kids? An expert explains what you need to know

Sure, they want the hydration range. But even that comes with a warning, nutritionist Susie Burrell explains. 

You can never be quite sure what will gauge the interest of young people these days, but whatever the latest food or drink trend is, it is likely to come from an online source. 

In the case of the frenzy currently surrounding the drink Prime Hydration and Energy, indeed we have YouTube to thank, or blame, for our kids' latest drink obsession.

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What is Prime?

Prime is the wonder product of a couple of very successful YouTubers - Logan Paul and KSI - who have launched a highly coveted, caffeine-rich energy drink, as well as a non-caffeinated variety promoted as a hydrating sports drink.

Retailing for as much as $30 per bottle online, it is largely the energy variety of Prime that has propelled it into cult status with teens desperate to try for themselves the latest hot thing in energy drinks. With 200mg of caffeine, or that in a double shot of espresso, Prime Energy is certainly a concentrated source of the stimulant caffeine, and as such has been deemed unsafe for anyone under the age of 18.

Prime drinks come in a hydration and energy range. Image: Supplied

Why is Prime Energy a concern?

Whilst some teens may be able to tolerate caffeine, and consume it via cola drinks, coffee, tea, and even chocolate, the issue with teens consuming such high concentrations in relatively small volumes of liquid is that high doses of caffeine can result in an irregular heartbeat.

This is of particular concern for younger consumers of energy drinks, as it is not uncommon for teen fans to follow a ‘more is better’ approach with such drinks. In caffeine terms, this can equate to several hundred milligrams of caffeine being consumed in relatively short periods of time. In extreme scenarios, for a teen who may have a yet-to-be-diagnosed underlying heart condition, such high amounts of caffeine can be fatal and there have sadly been a small number of teen deaths associated with abnormal high caffeine intakes courtesy of energy drinks.

High amounts of caffeine can also negatively impact sleep, attention, concentration and increase anxiety, again signs and symptoms the average teen, and teen brain can do without.  In the case of children, such concentrated sources of caffeine are highly dangerous and there are no safe levels of consumption.

Is Prime Hydration OK for kids?

Prime Hydration is slightly different from Prime Energy as it does not contain caffeine, and is rather a mix of coconut water and electrolytes associated with optimising hydration.

With no sugar, the blend can be likened to what is offered in a bottle of No Added Sugar Sports drink. Whilst such a product is not dangerous for children or teens, it is listed as not suitable for children or teens under the age of 15, likely due to the range of additives including amino acids. For older teens and adults alike, as a hydration aid, it is certainly not necessary, and with the exception of athletes competing at the highest levels in hot conditions, water will be just as effective and a whole lot cheaper.

RELATED: A kid at my son’s school sells Prime drinks for $8

YouTubers Logan Paul and KSI can be blamed for your child's obsession. Image: Supplied

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What parents need to know about Prime drinks

One of the less frequently discussed downsides of both our children and teens consuming any kind of flavoured drink, whether it is an energy drink, sports drinks or flavoured water is that seeking out sweet beverages, whether they are sweetened with sugar or sweetener, primes the human brain to seek out more sweet fluid, rather than routinely reach for water as the primary thirst quencher.

With Aussie teens the largest consumers of soft drink in Australia, and soft drink and sugar-sweetened drinks closely associated with obesity, the less sweet drinks both our kids and teens drink, the better.

What if my child is obsessed and really wants to try it? 

While there is an ever-growing range of sports, energy, vitamin and types of water, smoothies, juices and hydrating mixes available the reality is the only real fluid children and teens need is water. In the case of formulated, heavily marketed products like Prime, both Prime Energy and Prime Hydration, you are basically paying for a whole lot of hype, flavours and a few additives which may or may not do much at all.

It really depends on how much of your hard-earned money you are willing to donate to some smart YouTubers really, and if you do relent, the teens need to be at least 18 for Prime Energy and at least 15 for Prime Hydration.

Originally published as Are Prime drinks OK for kids? An expert explains what you need to know