Consuming an unhealthy amount of caffeine could lead to health risks such as insomnia, high blood sugar and irregular heartbeat, according to a registered dietitian.
Caffeine is defined as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system. The stimulant can be found in soft drinks, tea, energy drinks, chocolate and over-the-counter medications.
Hope Frugé, a registered dietitian and owner of Health with Hope, explained that even though there are limited testings of caffeine consumption in children, it does not mean children are not capable of experiening health risks.
“From what studies do show, and there are limited studies because we do not select children as our subjects on caffeine studies, but what it does say in the literature is that caffeine affects teenagers’ concentration, it can affects our ability to sleep and if teenagers aren’t getting enough sleep, that may in return slow the maturation of their brains,” Frugé said.
Frugé explained that adults could experience issues such as an irregular heartbeat, insomnia, blood sugar problems, hyperactivity and attention issues when consuming caffeine.
“It can wreak havoc on your health if you are taking too much caffeine in,” Frugé said.
Frugé said that according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, stimulant containing energy drinks have no place in diets of children and adolescents.
“However, that is a pretty black and white stance,” Frugé said. “We’re going to have caffeine in the diet, even some from chocolate and what childhood would be complete without some chocolate.”
Teenagers should limit their caffeine intake to less than 100 milligrams a day, and children should intake caffeine as little as possible, according to Frugé.
Frugé explained that caffeine could become addicting if too much is consumed.
“If you’re having as a little as a 100 milligrams of caffeine daily, that could lead to dependency,” Frugé said. “So as a parent, you want to have open communication with your child. Tell them the risk of consuming too much caffeine.”
Frugé advises parents to have their children monitor their health for symptoms such as elevated heartrate and issues related to anxiety and depression.
“Try to be aware and mindful of how much caffeine they are taking in, and just talk to them about it and try to educate them the best you can,” Frugé said.
To learn more about caffeine awareness, visit https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/caffeine.html.
"Time to Talk" is produced with the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana and BayouLife Magazine.
