New research is questioning the benefits of beverages sold as sports drinks.
Researchers at Oxford University found the drinks have little benefit to athletes who exercise less than two hours a day.
They also say claims cited by drink manufacturers were based on work by "industry sponsored scientists.”
Nutritionists have been critical of sugar content in these drinks.
"The sports drinks are grossly oversold. Kids all over the place, teenagers especially, are drinking these things like crazy when they don't really need them," said Kelly Brownell of Yale University.
The beverage industry responded, "The drinks provide hydration and carbohydrates-- necessary for an athlete's overall health."
