Caffeine has well-known side effects, such as increasing both awareness and restlessness, but its effects appear to differ between boys and girls. According to recent research, teen boys feel the effects of the substance more than girls. Caffeine is not a necessary nutrient, so eliminating the substance from your diet can remove any negative side effects without risking your health.
Caffeine
Caffeine, a stimulant that exists naturally in some plants but is also produced synthetically, affects the central nervous system. After drinking caffeine, the drug quickly goes to your brain and later leaves your body through your urine. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks and other beverages, and is also present in some medications such as over-the-counter diet pills and cold medicine.
Blood Pressure Effects
According to a study published in the December 2010 issue of the journal "Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology," caffeinated drinks cause an increase in blood pressure in teen boys but not in teen girls. The study examined 26 boys and 26 girls, giving each caffeinated drinks with between 50 to 200 mg of caffeine. The boys that ingested the highest amount of caffeine had the greatest blood pressure increase, while girls consuming equal amounts showed no increase.
Psychological Effects
The same 2010 study showed that not only does caffeine affect boys differently on a physical level, but it also affects how they feel and act. Boys taking caffeine reported a greater "rush" or feeling of high energy from caffeinated drinks than girls. The boys in the study were also more likely to report that the caffeine had a positive effect on their athletic performance.
Addiction
As a known stimulant, caffeine poses an addiction risk to users. According to a study published in the December 2009 issue of "Behavioural Pharmacology," boys who habitually consume caffeine are more likely to work harder to receive a caffeine reward than girls who also habitually drink caffeinated beverages.
References
- Live Science; Caffeine Jolts Boys More Than Girls; December 2010
- State University of New York at Buffalo; High-Caffeine-Consuming Boys Get Greater Rush from Caffeine than Girls, Report Improved Sport Performance; February 2011
- Medline Plus; Caffeine in the Diet; May 2011
- Science Codex; Caffeine's Addictive Effects Impact Boys and Girls Differently?; December 2009
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