HELPS.Education Child Care - Where Learning is Fun!

     According to a national poll, 1 in 4 parents report that caffeine is basically part of their teen's daily life.  The poll also reports that parents may not always be aware of how much they should be limiting caffeine consumption for their teens.  

     Soda is teens' top caffeinated product of choice, according to the reponses of 1,095 parents.  Tea and coffee came in as the second most popular source while less than a fourth of the parents said their teen consumed energy drinks. 

     Caffeine is a drug that stimulates the brain and nervous system and too much of it can contribute to a variety of health problems in young people.  "Teens' brains are still developing, and excessive caffeine consumption can affect their mood, sleep, and school performance, along with other side effects.  They can also become dependent over time, as a true for other drugs," said Dr. Susan Woolford from Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan.

     For healthy adults, 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is not generally associated with dangerous effects, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  But the FDA has not given guideance for teens due to insufficient evidence.  The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a limit of 100 milligrams per day for teens which generally is one 8-ounce cup of coffee. Sodas, sports drinks and even certain brands of water can contain substantial amounts of caffeine. Energy drinks may contain up to 500 mg of caffeine per bottle/can.

     Common side effects from overconsumption may include insomnia, headaches, irritabililty and nervousness.  If your teenager regularly consumes caffeine and is having a hard time sleeping or if theey appear jittery, you should take a closer look at whether their caffeine intake is too high.

University of Michigan, Mott Children's Hospital, Susan Woolford, M.D.