[Kizzy]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

There's a popular perception that lucozade is good when you're ill because it's a quick source of glucose when you're finding it hard to stomach other foods... However, the high sugar content actually suppresses the immune system and keeps you ill for longer. True story! As for drinking it when healthy... well, basically you're never going to burn off that much glucose so it's basically guaranteed to turn to fat.

I'd say the only "good" time to drink the stuff is if you're finding it impossible to keep real food down with a vomiting / diarrhea bug, and you're feeling desperately dehydrated and low on energy (pounding headaches, etc.)

That said - the absolute worst of the bunch is high-fructose corn syrup, which isn't widely used in UK foods, but US junk food is full of the stuff.

Another interesting fact: a country's rate of antibiotic use is directly proportionate with its levels of refined sugar consumption. That alone is a soft statistical indicator that it's an immunity buster.

It's a misconception that anyone 'needs' sugar or caffeine too, you should get all you need from your diet unless you're diabetic then you should really manage insulin levels to prevent hypos if you can.
The 'hit' of the caffine is what made those who were convalescent feel better for a time and the sugar rush like you say. The only time I've used lucozade is instead of diaoralyte watered down after the kids had the runs!