Is caffeine safe for your child?
Updated: Jun 10, 2020
Caffeine consumption in children have been a big debate. As one is aware, foods and drinks with caffeine are everywhere, but it is wise to keep the consumption to a minimum.
It is a stimulant that affects kids and adults. Caffeine is naturally produced in the leaves and seeds of many plants. Caffeine is also made artificially and added to certain foods. symptoms of too much caffeine leads to:
jitteriness and nervousness
stomach upset
difficulty concentrating
difficulty sleeping
Especially in young kids, it doesn't take a lot of caffeine to produce these effects.
Here are some other reasons to limit kids' caffeine consumption:
Caffeine is absorbed in every body tissue. Higher amounts of caffeine can make the health worse:
It increases heart rate and may raise your blood pressure.
Caffeine has the ability to change the body temperature and your gastric juices.
Kids often drink caffeine contained in regular soft drinks, are likely to be obese.
Caffeine inhibits the effective intake of vitamins and minerals, putting them at risk for nutritional deficiencies.
It can lead to dental cavities or tooth erosion due to acidic nature of the drink.
Being a stimulant, it can really cause trouble sleeping.
Alongside, if your child is drinking a can of caffeinated soda, they are also taking in a lot of sugar, which has the second effect of tooth decay, and the growing issue of childhood obesity.
Feel free to let kids indulge in a piece of chocolate cake or a small chocolate bar at birthday parties or a cup of tasty hot chocolate. — these choices don't pack enough caffeine punch to be harmful.
How much is too much caffeine?
For children above 12 years, caffeine intake should not be more than 85-100mg per day and not more than 1-1.5 glass aprrox is recommended.
As with everything, moderation is the key to keeping your kids' caffeine consumption under control. Be it sweets, pastries or other foods, do not forget to floss your mouth, which may help to prevent tooth decay in children!!
Comments