Caffeinated soda intake among children doubled between 1981 and 2001, according to the American Psychological Association, or APA, from roughly 10 oz. per day to 20 oz. per day. With the growing popularity of energy drinks and dessert-like coffee beverages at convenience stores and coffee shops, children's intake continues to rise. Learning more regarding caffeine consumption among children might help guide you and your family toward making wise dietary and lifestyle decisions.
Risks
Excessive caffeine intake can cause a rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, excessive urination, sleep problems, anxiety and depression. If your child suddenly stops consuming caffeine after routine intake, he might experience withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and headaches. Caffeinated beverages might also detract from your child's wellness, particularly if they replace nutritious beverages, such as low-fat milk, and lead to poor food and nutrient intake, because of its appetite-suppressing effects. Sugary soft drinks contribute "empty" calories, or calories devoid of nutrients, and might contribute to tooth decay and weight gain. Because the effects of escalating caffeine use require more study, some risks remain unknown.
Potential Benefits
Although much controversy remains, some health care professionals believe caffeine might help manage symptoms of attention deficit disorder -- one of the most common disorders among children. In an interview with the APA in 2001, Marjorie Roth Leon, a psychologist with National-Louis University in Chicago, said, "Compared to giving children with ADHD no treatment whatsoever, caffeine appears to have potential to improve their functioning in the areas of improved parent and teacher perceptions of their behavior, reduced levels of aggression, impulsiveness and hyperactivity, and improved levels of executive functioning and planning." The belief that caffeine might improve ADHD symptoms stems from the fact that stimulant medications are a standard form of treatment.
Research
In a study published in "Pediatrics" in 2003, researchers analyzed the caffeine intake and sleep habits of 191 teen children for two weeks. The teens consumed an average of 62.7 mg of caffeine per day -- the amount in roughly 1.25 12 oz. cans of soda or two cups of coffee. Higher caffeine intake was positively linked with shorter sleep duration, delayed wake-up times and increased daytime sleepiness. The researchers concluded that regardless of whether caffeine was consumed to counteract interrupted sleep or daytime sleepiness, caffeinated beverages stimulated notable drug-like effects and suggested that limiting teens' caffeine intake is worth considering.
Suggestions
Caffeine intake in children should be closely monitored, according to the UMMC. Because caffeine is not necessary, it can be completely eliminated from your child's diet. If your child seems to be experiencing adverse side effects of caffeine or consuming caffeine in excess, discuss your concerns with a qualified health care professional. To reduce your child's caffeine intake, allow soft drinks as occasional treats, rather than dietary staples. Take caution with energy drinks in particular, which might contain additional stimulants, such as ginseng, guarana and tea extract, and up to 300 mg of caffeine per 8.4 oz. can.
References
- "Monitor on Psychology"; "A Sip into Dangerous Territory"; Eileen O'Connor; June 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Caffeine in the Diet
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Disorder
- "Pediatrics"; "Caffeine Consumption and Weekly Sleep Patterns in US Seventh-, Eighth- and Ninth-Graders"; Charles Pollak et al.; January 2003
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Caffeine Content of Food and Drugs
- MayoClinic.com: Added Sugars -- Don't Get Sabotaged by Sweeteners
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