Sometimes, influencers are the bane of my existence. They are everywhere, YouTube, IG, commercials — you name it, they are finding a way to get to our kids. The latest product to hit the shelves with kids begging for is a drink called PRIME, but is PRIME appropriate for kids?
*Note: This review is only on PRIME Hydration, not PRIME Energy, which is not appropriate for kids of any age.
What’s in PRIME?
Let’s break down what’s in PRIME to see what you’re getting.
- Fluid: Prime is primarily water and 10% coconut water.
- Sodium: Regular PRIME only – 10mg
- BCAA: These are 3 specific amino acids – leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
- Vitamins and Minerals – potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin E, and vitamin A
Is PRIME Appropriate for Kids?
PRIME is marketed as a hydration beverage, not a sports drink. Their website indicates that their energy drinks are only for adults, which is correct. Kids and teens should not be drinking energy drinks. The caffeine and sugar can raise their heart rates to an unhealthy level. Teens also don’t have the knowledge of how much is too much caffeine and may not know when to hold back.
Regular PRIME is a fancy water with some added vitamins. It’s REALLY sweet, so that is appealing for kids, but that sweetness comes from alternative sweeteners, so that’s a personal choice on whether your child consumes those.
It also has a mix of vitamins and minerals. If your child already takes a multivitamin, then they are getting these vitamins and more is not always better. In fact, PRIME contains 200% of the recommended amount of vitamins B6 and B12. Your body is just going to get rid of the extra vitamins, so that’s a complete waste.
PRIME is NOT a sports drink. It does not contain nearly enough sodium to be helpful for active kids who are sweating during sports.
A Dietitian’s Opinion on PRIME for Kids
Bottom line: PRIME is a fancy vitamin water. If hydration for sports is what you’re looking for, you’re better off with an alternative. If your teen is sweating a lot or is exercising in the heat, you need a sports drink like Gatorade, or another electrolyte beverage. Calories and electrolytes will help hydrate more efficiently than a drink like PRIME. The regular hydration drink won’t hurt them, but at $2.50 per bottle, you can do better.
