Can 13-Year-Olds Drink Coffee?
For teens, getting a dose of caffeine is a rite of passage. But can teenage children really drink coffee? After all, coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
In the U.S., there’s no recommended age for children to begin drinking coffee. But some experts suggest that children under 12 should limit caffeine consumption, and that children 13 and older can start drinking coffee with limits.
Dr. Marcie Schneider, a pediatrician in Connecticut, says it’s important for parents to remember that too much caffeine can have a serious impact on developing brains and bodies. She says that teens should not have more than 100mg of caffeine per day. That’s roughly equal to an 8-ounce cup of coffee.
Polly Hall, a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in teen nutrition, recommends that teenagers go easy on added sugar and choose coffee drinks with low-fat or nonfat milk. She believes that coffee has some health benefits for teens. It may improve attention, alertness, and concentration, among other benefits.
But not all experts agree. Dr. Amy Baxter, a pediatric emergency specialist, has worked on research related to caffeine and teen health. Her research showed that caffeine can raise teens’ blood pressure, reduce deep sleep, and lead to dehydration.
Dr. Baxter recommends that teens stick to coffee in moderation. She suggests limiting coffee to one cup a day and avoiding eating and drinking coffee late in the evening. She also suggests alternating with decaffeinated coffee, herbal teas, and water.
Given the limited research, it’s important for parents to make the decision about coffee based on their own family dynamics. They should weigh the possible risks and benefits involved in allowing their children to consume coffee. Ultimately, the decision should be up to the parents.
Are There Any Health Benefits to Drinking Coffee for Teens?
Some research suggests that drinking coffee may have health benefits for adolescents. Coffee is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help protect the body from diseases. It may also reduce inflammation and help protect brain cells from damage.
In addition, some studies have found that teens who regularly drink coffee can perform better on tests, focusing longer and having more alertness. As well, moderate coffee consumption may even reduce the risk of depression and suicide in teens.
But other research suggests that any potential benefits of drinking coffee could be outweighed by the risks, so more research is needed before any definitive conclusion can be made.
What are the Long-Term Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Coffee?
Drinking too much coffee can have detrimental long-term effects on teens’ health. Excess caffeine can lead to sleep deprivation, which is associated with an increased risk of obesity, depression, and decreased academics performance.
Caffeine can also trigger anxiety and increase blood pressure. This can put teens at increased risk for developing serious conditions like heart disease and stroke, particularly in teens who have a family history of these conditions.
Moreover, overconsumption of caffeinated beverages can lead to caffeine dependence and addiction. Teenagers may crave more caffeine in order to feel energized and alert, leading to withdrawal symptoms when they cut back.
What Alternatives are There to Caffeinated Beverages?
If parents are concerned about their teens drinking coffee, there are plenty of alternatives that can satisfy their craving for an energy boost. Protein-rich snacks like nuts, sausage, eggs, and cheese can provide an energy boost without the jitters caused by caffeine in coffee.
Teens can also opt for low-spirited or decaffeinated coffee drinks. Decaf coffee is 97-99% free of caffeine and may offer some of the same benefits as full-fired coffee without the health risks. Herbal teas, like green tea and chamomile, are also excellent alternatives as they contain less than one-third of the caffeine found in one cup of coffee.
How Can Parents Regulate Their Teen’s Caffeine Intake?
Parents can help regulate their teens caffeine intake by monitoring how much and when their teens are drinking it. Setting limits and explaining the risks of drinking too much coffee can help to keep caffeine consumption under control.
Parents should also encourage their teens to get a regular amount of sleep and eat a balanced diet. Eating a nutritious breakfast can provide the same energy boost as coffee and help to keep teens alert throughout the day.
In addition, parents can encourage their teens to engage in physical activity. Regular exercise has been shown to increase energy levels and improve alertness. This can help to get rid of the need for caffeine to stay energized.
Can Caffeine have Lasting Effects on Teens who Already Have Mental Illness?
Adolescents who already have mental illness, such as anxiety disorder, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are particularly vulnerable to the effects of caffeine, and it can trigger or worsen symptoms. It can also interact with certain medications and impair their effectiveness.
Moreover, some studies suggest that caffeine consumption can trigger manic or hypomanic episodes in teens with bipolar disorder. For this reason, it’s important for teens with mental illness to limit their caffeine consumption and talk to their doctors about the risks involved.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to allow kids to drink coffee is entirely up to parents. Parents should be aware of the potential risks and benefits, as well as the alternatives to caffeinated beverages. By understanding the potential effects of caffeine on teens’ health, parents can make an informed decision on whether or not to let their teens drink coffee.
