Consumption of sports drinks that contain a high proportion of sugar could be adversely affecting children that combine a diet of healthy cooking with a proactive lifestyle, according to a report by the University of Texas Health Science Center.

Researchers analysed the connection between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, unhealthy and healthy foods and the physical activity levels of 8th and 11th-grade Texas students to conclude that sugary drinks had a negative impact.

Nalini Ranjit, principal investigator and assistant professor of behavioural sciences, said that "sports drinks have been successfully marketed as beverages consistent with a healthy lifestyle" before adding "they have minimal fruit juice and contain unnecessary calories".

The research also revealed that excessive consumption of sugary drinks could lead to an increase in weight for children and the study advised that water is a better option to "replenish lost fluids".

Earlier this week, a Niagara school approved a five-year contract with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company which will eliminate sugary drinks from school cafeterias, according to the Niagara Gazette.