Young children like to emulate their parents. They will often talk like them, walk like them, and mimic the parents in so many other ways. So is this a surprise that many kids like to drink coffee, especially when their parents are big-time coffee drinkers? Coffee consumption is going up among adolescents and young children and spurring a debate on is coffee bad or good for kids? The main cause of worry is its caffeine content. Is caffeine intake okay for them, what impact will it have on the nervous system, and will it cause an upset stomach?
Caffeine affects everyone. Coffee for kids is okay in limited quantities but it could affect health negatively at higher amounts. Another key factor to consider for caffeinated beverages is the age of the child.
Why Is Coffee Bad for Kids
The caffeine content of coffee can affect kids in many ways. If your child has too much caffeine daily, then it can negatively affect her sleep. Those between 8 and 11 years must sleep for 10 to 11 hours in the night. For teenagers and adolescents, this is 8 to 9 years. If she consumes coffee close to her sleep time, then it may make it more difficult for her to fall asleep.
Excessive caffeine intake may also reduce appetite, which can lead to stomach issues. Caffeine dependence can cause headaches. Many of them can face problems in concentration, which may reduce academic results. Coffee for hyperactive children is not a good idea, particularly for the children who have energy outbursts. It may make it more difficult for them to listen and actively participate in school.
Caffeine may also interfere with calcium absorption. The body loses 6 mg of calcium with the ingestion of 100 mg of caffeine. At a young age, children need a lot of calcium for their bones. Also, it can cause decay as coffee is acidic in nature. It can weaken the teeth.
A cup of coffee contains caffeine of 40 mg. However, energy drinks, soda, and products like Coca-Cola contains much the same amount of caffeine.
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Young children these days usually don’t take black coffee drinks. Many like to have them with cream, sugar, and even whipped cream, which makes them more like desserts. This can be a problem because excessive calorie consumption can cause lead to weight gain and many other problems.
What is a good age to start drinking coffee? At what age does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend coffee for children?● How much caffeine is dangerous for your children
How many mg of caffeine are children allowed? Many pediatricians and experts believe children up to the age of 18 years should limit their caffeine intake to 100 mg, which means about two and half regular cups. Twelve year olds and those who are younger should drink even less. They recommend up to 45 mg for children below 6, up to 62.5 mg for those under 9, and 85 mg for children between 10 and 12.
Anything above this per day can be dangerous. Can a higher mg of caffeine cause death? It can affect the central nervous system, it affects the brain, and can cause withdrawal symptoms. Death is an extreme case. But you will still want to moderate the dose.● Caffeine Side Effects for Children
Drinking too much caffeinated drinks at a young age can cause many negative health effects. Caffeine overdose can also affect the adults, but most of them will be able to handle the symptoms. Young children are extra-sensitive to its effects. Also, you also must consider that most of them won’t have the wisdom to decide when to stop. Here are the side effects of too much caffeine – dehydration, diarrhea, anxiety, moodiness, headaches, seizures, increased heart rate, restlessness, high blood pressure, tremors, and sleep disruptions.
Research suggests that drinking coffee can help adults in many ways. It can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes, it can reduce cognitive decline, can improve short-term memory, and even reduce the risk of stroke and cancer. Coffee beans contain many substances and antioxidants that protect us against diseases. Can some of these benefits apply for children too one day? Sadly, there is no evidence to suggest this. The scientific community must carry out long-term studies.
Is Decaf Coffee Okay For Kids?
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In decaffeinated or decaf coffee, 97% of the caffeine from the coffee beans is removed, which makes it almost completely caffeine free. In a typical decay coffee cup, you will just get 2 mg of caffeine, whereas a cup of normal coffee provides 40 mg. This makes decaf coffee for kids a great idea. Ask your children to drink decay coffee from decaf nespresso pods. They are okay for kids and one of the best products you can find.
There is caffeine everywhere now – in hot chocolates, candy, gum, mints, in many kid’s drinks, and even in teas. Coffee is a matter of particular concern because of its high caffeine content. In a study, the researchers found that 73% of the kids in the US between 2 and 11 are consuming caffeine daily. This is a matter of concern.
Tell them the importance of staying healthy. Ask them to try decay coffee.
