While some people believe caffeine helps improve attention in children, the research shows mixed results and the approach is ultimately not recommended. Caffeine may improve attention temporarily in some children, but it causes jitters and nervousness in others. Too much caffeine causes physical problems, such as a racing heartbeat, headaches, dizziness, anxiety and sleeping problems. Addressing attention problems in children is complicated, as dysfunctional levels of inattention can be related to a wide variety of factors. Diagnose and treat this problem only with the supervision of your pediatrician.
Caffeine: Benefits
Caffeine is a drug naturally found in some plants and seeds and artificially produced for human consumption. Coffee, soft drinks and chocolate are all popular sources of caffeine. The drug stimulates the nervous system, making many people feel happier and more alert. Its effects can linger in the body for about 6 hours.
Caffeine: Risks
While its effects vary from person to person, two to four cups of a caffeinated beverage will not negatively affect most adults. Because children's bodies are smaller, even low doses of caffeine may create negative results, including restlessness, interference with sleep and abnormal heart rhythms. Excessive caffeine use can also lead to peptic ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems.
Caffeine and Children
Both the Mayo Clinic and the American Psychological Association do not recommend caffeine for treating attention deficits in children. The APA reports that too much caffeine can actually damage a child's ability to pay attention. Additionally, consuming caffeinated beverages that also contain sugar, as most soft drinks, coffee drinks and chocolate do, can exacerbate symptoms of inattention in children. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, caffeine is not recommended at all for children less than 1 year old.
Improving Children's Attention
The reason children are inattentive varies widely. They may need more exercise, additional sleep or a more nutritious diet. They may be experiencing emotional troubles, suffer from an undiagnosed learning disability or meet the criteria to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Work with your doctor or psychologist to determine the source of your child's inattention if it interferes with his daily functioning.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Age-appropriate diet for children
- MayoClinic.com: Riverside Health Reference: ADHD: Does caffeine help?
- American Psychological Association; Monitor on Psychology; "A sip into dangerous territory"; Eileen O'Connor; June 2001
- PsychCentral.com: Caffeine's Effect on ADHD Symptoms; Jane Collingwood
- MedlinePlus: Caffeine
- KidsHealth.org: Caffeine
