Caffeine Effects on Children
Coffee has become an integral part of our daily lives and is loved by many. As much as adults enjoy coffee, the jury is still out on when a child should be allowed to drink it. Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the body and the central nervous system in a variety of ways, both positive and negative. Parents may naturally be concerned about the potential ill effects of coffee and other caffeinated beverages on their children.
Physicians generally recommend that children refrain from consuming coffee and other caffeine-containing products until at least 12 years of age. Caffeine and its effects may vary between individuals, so it is important to take a personal approach when considering when to introduce them to coffee and caffeinated beverages.
Caffeine Intake Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that four to five year olds consume no more than 45 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day. For seven to twelve year olds, the recommended amount is no more than 85 mg per day. It is necessary to understand that these amounts can vary because caffeine content in coffee can change depending on different factors. One study suggests that eight ounces (227ml) of brewed coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine.
Coffee Benefits for Older Kids
Coffee does have some awesome benefits for adults, and some of those carry over to kids and teens as well. Studies have found that a moderate intake of coffee (about 2 servings per day) can improve alertness, mental focus and cognitive abilities in adolescents, while also potentially lowering one’s risk of developing depression and Alzheimer’s disease in later years. Coffee has also been linked to a decreased risk in developing type two diabetes and potentially protect against some types of cancer.
Long-Term Effects on Health
But, when it comes to young children, they shouldn’t be drinking coffee that often or in large amounts. Caffeine is considered a recreational drug, so it has the potential to be habit-forming. When consumed in excess, coffee can cause dehydration, anxiety, restlessness and insomnia.
The long-term effects of caffeine consumption during childhood are still being studied. If a child does drink coffee, do so in moderation and from time to time. Make sure that a healthy diet and exercise regime is established, as well as proper sleep habits to ensure the health and development of your child.
Alternatives to Coffee
Not forget that there are also plenty of delicious caffeine-free alternatives available for kids, such as herbal teas and fruit spritzers. Of course, water is always the best choice for hydration. Other healthy drinks that contain small amounts of natural caffeine are white and green teas.
Deciding with the Child
When deciding when a child can drink coffee, the most important factor is the individual themselves. Sit down with the child and discuss their feelings and opinions on coffee. Explain the potential effects of consuming coffee and listen to their concerns and ideas. Ultimately, it should be up to the child and parent to decide when it is the right time to introduce coffee into the child’s diet.
Social Aspects of Drinking Coffee
In certain social situations, serving coffee to kids can be an appropriate thing to do. At family gatherings, or when visiting with friends, coffee may be served. But, it is important to ensure that it is prepared from decaf coffee beans and not the regular full-strength variety.
It is also important to talk to kids about why it is important to wait before drinking coffee and why it is a good idea to keep balance in their lifestyle. Talking to them about managing their coffee consumption can lead to a healthy attitude about caffeine later in life.
Safety Considerations
To ensure the safety of your child, it is important to know what kind of coffee they are consuming. With the many types of coffee available, the levels of caffeine may vary greatly. Check the label and make sure that the coffee isn’t overly caffeinated. Also be aware that there are many coffee shops and cafes that are now selling speciality coffees and drinks with added caffeine.
It is essential that the child is fully aware of the effects of caffeine and how it can affect them. It is also important to understand that caffeine can be found in other foods and drinks, so it makes sense to be aware of the caffeine content of all their food and drinks.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that it is up to the individual parent to decide when their child should be allowed to drink coffee. When introducing coffee to a child or teen, check with your doctor to make sure that the individual is healthy enough to consume it, and find out the particular level of caffeine your child can safely consume. Educate them on the effects of caffeine and keep a close eye on their coffee consumption. Finally, ensure that other aspects of diet and lifestyle, such as exercise and sleep, are also kept in balance.
