Are teenagers consuming too much caffeine?

Ensuring your child eats balanced meals at regular intervals, especially during the busy teenage years when you barely have face-to-face time with them, is a challenge for any parent. A quarter of parents think their teens consume caffeine daily or almost every day, even though they seem unsure about how much caffeine is safe, according to a new national survey.

Researchers from the University of Michigan CS Mott Children's Hospital National Children's Health Survey asked 1,095 respondents across the country how often their teenager consumes caffeinated beverages, whether whether or not they think their child’s caffeine intake is “appropriate” or not. I am aware of the recommended caffeine limits for children.

While one in four parents find that their teen regularly consumes caffeine, two-thirds believe they know how much is “appropriate,” although one-third are unable to accurately identify suggested caffeine limits.

“Our report suggests that parents are not always sure how much they should limit adolescents' caffeine intake,” said Susan Woolford, MD, co-director of the survey and Mott's pediatrician. “Even for parents who know the recommendations, estimating their teen’s caffeine intake can be a challenge.

According to the survey, soda is the most popular caffeinated beverage among teens, with tea and coffee in second place. Less than a quarter of parents said their teenager drank energy drinks.

Two in five parents who regularly consume caffeine say their teen drinks it because it's in their favorite products, while less than a quarter attribute the habit to following the lead of their peers. Very few respondents think their teen uses caffeine to stay awake, cope with their first days of school, or help them focus.

“As parents seem to suggest that adolescents consume caffeine more for the taste than the stimulant effect, it might be possible for parents to encourage the use of similar caffeine-free tasting options,” Woolford said. . “But parents may not even know that their children are drinking several caffeinated beverages a day and how that adds up.”

It appears that most respondents believe their teens' caffeine consumption occurs during meals, while a third of teens consume caffeine with their friends and a quarter at school. Of course, it's impossible to say whether teens are underreporting their own caffeine intake to their parents, and the results don't take into account the caffeine content of other products, such as chewing gum, coffee bars, etc. snack or over-the-counter pain relievers.

Curious about how much caffeine is safe for your kids? “There is no proven, safe dose of caffeine for children,” as Arunima Agarwal, MD, a board-certified pediatrician in New York, previously said. Kindergarten. “Pediatricians completely recommend against caffeine for children under 12 years of age and against the consumption of energy drinks for all children and adolescents. They also suggest limiting caffeine to 100 mg (about two 12 oz cans of cola) per day for ages 12 to 18,” says Dr. Agarwal. For reference, an 8-ounce cup of regular coffee contains about 100 milligrams of caffeine, which is the maximum recommended daily limit for teens.

But what are the risks, exactly? “Excessive caffeine consumption in children has been linked to elevated heart rates, elevated blood pressure levels, sleep disturbances and anxiety attacks, as well as negative impacts on developmental brain, potential weight gain and dental problems due to high sugar content,” says Laura. Purdy MD, a board-certified family physician who is licensed to practice in all 50 states.

“Taking quiet time to rest, read, walk, meditate, and put away electronic devices also regenerates the brain, increases focus, and decreases anxiety,” as stated by Kimberlee Blyden-Taylor, ND, MSc, naturopathic physician. who practices in Canada. said Kindergarten.

There are telltale signs that your child is consuming too much caffeine, according to the survey co-director. “If your teen consumes caffeine regularly and has trouble sleeping or seems nervous, you should take a closer look at whether their caffeine intake is too high,” Woolford said.

As with any concern, consulting your child's pediatrician is never a bad idea. Looking at product labels and having open, honest communication with your child can also help. “Parents should consider talking with their teen about the negative effects of too much caffeine, then exploring caffeine-free options they can try together at home, at school, or when hanging out with friends “Woolford said. “Parents can also ask the teen's health care provider to explain the risks of caffeine and suggest strategies to reduce it.”