What effects does caffeine have on children and adolescents

WHAT IS COFFEE?

Caffeine is a drug that occurs naturally in the leaves and seeds of many plants. It is a natural component of coffee, but it is also produced artificially and can be added to some drinks and foods. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and causes an increase in alertness. Many people need caffeine every day as it temporarily boosts their energy and thus their mood.

Approximately 80% of the world's population consumes caffeine products every day, including about 73% of children. Although soft drink consumption has declined among adolescents over the past decade, caffeine consumption among young people has not changed. Thus, teens consume coffee and energy drinks that provide them with caffeine.

WHAT IS CAFFEINE?

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE

Research on caffeine confirms that small doses of caffeine can enhance mood and alertness, increase information processing speed, awareness and attention. However, most research has been conducted on adults, not children and adolescents.

Large doses of caffeine can cause a range of adverse side effects in both adolescents and adults. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, and only small amounts can cause side effects. Here are the most common side effects of excessive caffeine consumption:

restlessness
anxiety
dizziness
upset stomach
irritability
insomnia
increased heart rate
shivering

The effects of caffeine may not begin until a few minutes after consumption. Caffeine has a half-life of approximately five to six hours, which means that it takes that long to reduce the concentration of caffeine in the blood by half.

EFFECT OF CAFFEINE ON CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Caffeine can hinder development in children. During adolescence, when the brain has the most neural connections, caffeine can reduce their effectiveness. Because caffeine acts on the brain's reward and addiction centre, it can also affect children's eating

FURTHER, CAFFEINE CAN AFFECT CHILDREN:

SLEEP:

Caffeine most affects adolescent sleep. Every 10 milligrams of caffeine consumed by a 13-year-old boy, for example, reduces his chance of quality sleep, which should last 8.5 hours, by up to 12%. Sleep deprivation in teens can affect their education, physical and mental health.

BONE GROWTH:

Drinking coffee can also cause the body to lose calcium. Consuming too much caffeine can thus lead to bone loss over time. Also, drinking energy drinks can lead to a higher risk of osteoporosis.

HEART PROBLEMS:

In weaker individuals cause heart problems and may interact with certain medications and dietary supplements.

and beverage preference later in their lives.

WARNING SIGNS OF HIGH DAILY CAFFEINE INTAKE IN YOUR CHILD

If your child can't sleep, is fussy, or has frequent headaches, find out how often and in what amounts he or she consumes caffeine.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE EFFECT OF CAFFEINE ON CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Researchers have found that caffeine affects boys and girls equally before puberty. After puberty, however, there are differences in how caffeine affects the body differently due to gender. Overall, adolescent boys show a greater response to caffeine than adolescent girls. Heart rate in males decreases more in response to caffeine compared to girls. Girls show a greater increase in diastolic blood pressure than boys after caffeine administration.

CAFFEINE DEPENDENCE NOT ONLY IN CHILDREN

Many people report feeling "addicted" to caffeine because they have difficulty stopping or limiting their caffeine intake. However, many continue to consume caffeine despite the adverse physical and psychological side effects. Symptoms of caffeine addiction vary by personality.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Headache
Fatigue
Drowsiness
Trouble concentrating
Difficulty completing tasks
Irritability
Depression
Anxiety

Flu-like symptoms (nausea/vomiting, muscle aches, hot flashes, chills)

CAFFEINE CHILDREN DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE IN ONLY FROM COFFEE

Here are some of the most common sources of caffeine that appeal to children and teens:

- Monster Energy Drink: 160 mg of caffeine
- Starbucks Frappuccino: 115 mg of caffeine
- Black coffee: 95-200 mg of caffeine
- Iced tea: 70 mg caffeine
- Chocolate (100 g): 43 mg caffeine
- Coke: 15 mg caffeine
- Green tea: 40 mg caffeine

Black tea: 40 mg caffeine

HOW TO TEACH TEENS TO LIMIT CAFFEINE

You'll have a hard time keeping track of absolutely everything your teen drinks. However, you can take steps to keep their caffeine intake to a minimum.

1. 1. What's not in plain sight doesn't entice. So don't buy unnecessarily sugary teas, energy drinks or iced coffees full of sugar and caffeine.
  2. Many caffeinated drinks contain a lot of sugar, which can contribute to obesity and tooth decay. Limiting caffeine is better for your teen's overall health. Make sure your children know that energy drinks and sodas are not good for him or her in terms of both sugar and caffeine. Talk toyour teen about the dangers of caffeine the same way you discuss drugs or alcohol. Warn your teen that too much consumption can cause serious health problems.
  3. If you yourself drink unhealthy energy drinks, sweetened teas and coffees on a daily basis, you can't expect your teen to do otherwise. Be a role model for them!
  4. Drinking a sugary frappuccino after school or an energy drink after a workout could have a big impact on sleep quality. Therefore, limit caffeinated drinks especially in the afternoon and evening.