Kids are often curious to try what their parents enjoy, including coffee. But is coffee safe for children, and what impact could it have on their health? This article will explore when children can start drinking coffee and how much caffeine is considered safe for them.

Can Children Drink Coffee?

Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that keeps the brain and central nervous system alert. The effects of caffeine vary depending on individual sensitivity, but common side effects include:

• Confusion
• Headache
• Increased alertness
• Heart palpitations
• Heartburn

Currently, there is no official guideline from health organizations on the exact age and safe dosage of coffee for children.

However, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) advises against giving coffee and other caffeinated drinks to children under 12. For ages 12-18, AACAP suggests limiting caffeine intake to about 100 mg per day.

Canadian health authorities, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, suggest that children over 4 years old can have small amounts of caffeine—about 45 mg, roughly half a cup of coffee.

The Effects of Coffee on Children

Although guidelines for caffeine in children vary, parents should generally avoid giving caffeinated drinks like tea, soda, and energy drinks to kids. Children are more sensitive to caffeine and may not recognize when they’ve had too much. This can lead to potential caffeine overload.

Some effects of drinking caffeine in children include:

Sleep issues

Caffeine can interfere with sleep, causing difficulties falling asleep, frequent waking, and shorter overall sleep time. For children, insufficient sleep can contribute to:

• Learning difficulties
• Digestive issues
• Emotional challenges
• Impaired growth
• Mental health issues

Mental health problems

As a central nervous system stimulant, caffeine can cause restlessness and heightened alertness. For children, excess caffeine may increase the risk of depression, stress, and anxiety.

Hyperactivity

Caffeine boosts brain activity and can trigger adrenaline, making kids overly energetic. In some cases, this hyperactivity can increase the risk of injuries due to impulsive actions.

Risk of dependence

Caffeine can lead to dependency in adults, and the same risk applies to children. Caffeine dependence can make it hard to cut back caffeine consumption if for example, your body is used to drinking a cup of coffee every day. Cutting back on caffeine consumption can lead to some withdrawal symptoms like irritability, headaches, or tremors. To prevent addiction, it’s best to avoid introducing caffeine into a child’s routine.

Excessive sugar intake

Because coffee is bitter, many people add sugar to it. Regularly consuming sweetened coffee increases the risk of obesity and diabetes.

While coffee can provide benefits for adults, children are more susceptible to its negative side effects, which can disrupt their sleep, concentration, and overall health.

If you have concerns about children’s health or nutrition, it’s best to consult a doctor or nutritionist. The Ai Care app also offers health consultation options that can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.

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