FORMER Australian cricket team doctor Peter Brukner has warned parents to not let their children mimic the national team when it comes to hydration.
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The promotion and use of sports drinks by the Australian team is prominent but Dr Brukner believes the hydration needs of those at the top tier are unique.
“The use of sports drinks at the elite level is acceptable,” Dr Brukner said.
“It helps replace electrolytes and carbohydrates which is needed given the physical intensity of sport at the highest level. That level isn’t reached in local sport and certainly not at junior level. Water is usually all that is needed for good re-hydration. A sports drink has as much sugar as a soft drink.”
Dr Brukner, who finished his five-year stint as Australian cricket team doctor in June, was in Port Fairy on Wednesday to speak at a forum to tackle childhood obesity.
“I loved my time with the Australian cricket team but I wanted to dedicate more time helping the community find solutions to childhood obesity,” he said.