Drinking energy drinks can help young athletes improve their sporting performance, according to a new study.

Sports scientists found that 12 to 14-year-olds could play for almost a quarter longer during team games if they drank an isotonic sports drink before and during exercise.

The study revealed that the drinks contributed to better endurance levels, especially in high energy, stop-start activity, while the importance of regular hydration and energy intake was also noted.

But scientists found no evidence that the drinks make participants run faster during intermittent exercise.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh carried out the study – the first attempt to examine the effects of isotonic sports drinks, which are typically a 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte solution.

Isotonic drinks like Lucozade Sport and Powerade quickly replace fluid and electrolytes lost through perspiration.

Participants performed high-intensity activity, designed to replicate physical demands of team games like football, rugby and hockey – sports popular in both physical education classes and extra-curricular exercise.

The sports drink helped the adolescents continue exercising for up to 24% longer than those who were given a non-carbohydrate placebo drink.

Dr John Sproule, head of the Institute of Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences at the university, who led the research, said: “This research helps us further understand how adolescents respond to hydration and energy supply during exercise.”