What Is Prime?
You’ve probably read a lot about Prime in the media, and not all of it may have been positive. The important thing to note is that there are two versions of Prime: Prime Hydration and Prime Energy.
Prime Energy has received the lion’s share of negative attention due to its high caffeine content. Available in 355ml cans, it contains 200mg of caffeine.
In comparison, a 250ml can of Red Bull contains just 80mg of caffeine. Despite being labeled for adults, kids have been eager to try Prime Energy, prompting US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to call for an FDA investigation into its caffeine content.
Sales of Prime Energy have even been banned in Denmark due to its high caffeine levels.
Studies suggest that teenagers shouldn’t consume more than 100mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to one standard cup of coffee.
How Does Prime Hydration Differ From Prime Energy?
The clue is in the name – one is a hydration drink, while the other is an energy drink.
Prime Hydration comes in several flavors, including Meta Moon, Ice Pop, Lemon Lime, Tropical Punch, Lemonade, Cherry Freeze, and Strawberry Banana.
Despite the different flavors, the ingredients remain broadly the same:
- Water
- Coconut water from concentrate
- Electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, and potassium)
- Branched-chain amino acids for muscle recovery
- B vitamins
- Antioxidants (Vitamins A and E)
- Artificial sweeteners (sucralose and acesulfame potassium)
- Natural flavorings
While some may question Prime Hydration’s utility as a sports drink, it is certainly healthy enough for kids under the age of 16 to drink.
Prime Hydration is low in calories (25), sugar (1g), and carbohydrates (5g). While artificial sweeteners provide no nutritional value, there is little evidence to suggest they are harmful for kids in moderate quantities.
Is Prime Hydration Good For Kids?
In summary, the suitability of Prime Hydration for kids comes down to perspective. Prime Hydration is certainly healthier than other sugary drinks, such as lemonade or Coca-Cola.
The drink primarily contains water, coconut water, and added electrolytes, all beneficial for growing bodies. On the other hand Prime Energy is not suitable for kids due to its high caffeine content, ranging from 140mg to 200mg per can. This level of caffeine can lead to negative side effects such as anxiety, jitteriness, headaches, and poor sleep quality. It’s crucial to prioritize safer, caffeine-free hydration options for children.
Given a choice between terrible crappy product A and crappy terrible product B the only real choice is to ignore the crap and grab a refreshing glass of water. Want electrolytes, put in a slice of lemon, lime or any other citrus and a dash of salt.