A paediatrician has revealed how coffee affects children
For adults, a morning coffee or energy drink in the afternoon is the usual norm.
But parents should take a closer look at what their children are drinking. Many popular drinks for teenagers contain not only caffeine but also other stimulants - and that can be dangerous, Phys.org writes.
According to US poison centres, the number of referrals related to children's reactions to energy drinks rose 24% in 2023. And the number of emergency room visits due to caffeine overdose in school children doubled from 2017 to 2023.
Why caffeine is bad for kids
Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness and activity. It is found in natural products (coffee beans, tea, cocoa, guarana) and is also added to drinks, sweets and medicines. However, children do not need caffeine: their bodies and brains are still developing and are particularly sensitive to its effects.
Side effects can include rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia, stomach upsets and even panic reactions. Caffeine can persist in the body for up to 8 hours, and once it is excreted, it can cause fatigue and irritability.
In addition, drinking caffeinated beverages reduces consumption of healthy foods: children choose soda or energy drinks over fruit, protein and cereal. This interferes with normal growth.
Sleep disturbance and risks of overdose
The main danger is the effect of caffeine on sleep. Sleep deprivation affects academic performance, mood, immunity, digestion and ability to concentrate. The energy from caffeine is no substitute for adequate rest.
Studies also show that boys are more likely to suffer from overdose symptoms than girls. Children with cardiopulmonary disease or those taking stimulants for ADHD are especially susceptible - they may experience increased irritability and insomnia.
The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends completely eliminating caffeine from children's diets. Parents should remove caffeinated foods and medications from the home and discuss with their children which drinks and foods are safe.
Where caffeine may be lurking
Coffee drinks: a typical mug of coffee is about 10 ounces (about 300 ml) and can contain up to 490 mg of caffeine. Cold and frozen drinks are no exception either: a bottle of Starbucks Frappuccino contains 110 mg, while Dunkin' Iced Coffee contains almost 200 mg.
Energy drinks: contain not only caffeine, but also guarana, taurine, ginseng, and L-carnitine. Their flavours (fruity, 'candy') are aimed at teenagers. Many of them contain a huge amount of sugar, which enhances the effect of stimulants. Some cans - up to 300 mg of caffeine and more.
Sodas (per 355 ml): Pepsi Zero Sugar - 38 mg, Diet Coke - 46 mg, Mountain Dew - 54 mg.
Chocolate and snacks: a bar of dark chocolate can contain 50 to 150 mg of caffeine. Protein bars, ice cream, and chewing gum are all potential sources of hidden caffeine. Manufacturers are not required to list its content.
Medications: migraine, cold, and muscle pain remedies may contain caffeine.
Caffeine sachets: a new form of use - like nicotine sachets, but with no age restrictions. They are placed between the lip and gum, dissolve quickly and act almost instantly. One sachet can contain up to 200 mg of caffeine.
What parents should do
The best way to protect your child is to talk frankly with them about the dangers of stimulants, offer water instead of energy drinks and monitor their sleep patterns. Caffeine is not an alternative to rest. It is important that children learn to listen to their body's signals and not replace them with artificial vigour.
Caffeine overdose can be dangerous.