Gatorade Thirst Quencher

What’s in it

• AWaterPlain water, the safest possible ingredient for children and an essential nutrient.PubMed · NIH
• CSugarAdded cane/beet sugar is a refined sweetener. It is widely used and permitted, but regular high intake is associated with tooth decay and excess calorie intake in children.PubMed · NIH
• CDextroseDextrose is a refined simple sugar, usually made from corn or wheat starch. It is generally recognized as safe, but it adds rapid-digesting sugar with the same child health concerns as other added sugars.PubMed · NIH
• BCitric AcidCitric acid is a common acidulant found naturally in citrus and also used as a food additive. It is generally considered safe, though it can add tartness and may contribute to tooth enamel wear in acidic foods or drinks.PubMed · NIH
• BSaltSalt is a standard seasoning and preservative. In moderate amounts it is permitted and safe, but excessive sodium intake can be a concern for children.PubMed · NIH
• BSodium CitrateSodium citrate is a permitted acidity regulator and buffering salt. It is generally regarded as safe and is used in many foods and drinks with no strong child-specific safety concerns.PubMed · NIH
• AMonopotassium PhosphateMonopotassium phosphate is a permitted source of potassium and phosphorus used for acidity control or fortification. It is generally safe in food amounts.PubMed · NIH
• CModified Food StarchModified food starch is a processed starch used as a thickener or stabilizer. It is generally considered safe, but it is a refined additive with limited standalone nutritional value.PubMed · NIH
• CNatural FlavorNatural flavor is a catch-all term for flavoring ingredients derived from natural sources. Safety is usually acceptable in regulated amounts, but the exact composition is undisclosed, so child-specific safety data are limited.PubMed · NIH
• CGlycerol Ester Of RosinA permitted food-grade stabilizer and weighting agent made from rosin (tree resin) and glycerol. It is generally considered allowed for use in foods, but child-specific safety data are limited, so a middle-of-the-road rating is appropriate.PubMed · NIH
• DRed 40An FDA-approved synthetic dye used to add red color. It has credible child-relevant safety concerns because some studies and public-health reviews link synthetic dyes to hyperactivity or behavior changes in sensitive children.PubMed · NIH
• CCaramel ColorA common coloring ingredient made by heating sugars; some forms are more processed than others. It is generally permitted, but certain caramel colors can contain process-related contaminants, so it rates above benign ingredients.PubMed · NIH