Just the Facts: Is Caffeine Bad for Kids?
Caffeine gives adults a nice boost of energy to kickstart the day or help them through an evening of work. But what about when kids drink the stimulant? What kinds of effects does caffeine have on kids? Learn about how caffeine affects our bodies and whether caffeinated products can harm children.
How Caffeine Affects the Body
Did you know that caffeine is classified as a drug? Caffeine is a stimulant, meaning it stimulates the nervous system. When you eat or drink something containing caffeine, your body and brain can feel energized.
For adults, that is often the desired effect. When you drink several cups of coffee in the morning, that caffeine consumption is intended to wake you up and get you going. You’re feeling sleepy or groggy, so you want to speed things up.
It’s quite easy, however, to get too much caffeine. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to a number of uncomfortable and even dangerous symptoms, such as jitteriness, an upset stomach, a racing heart or abnormal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, poor sleep and headaches.
The Effects of Caffeine on Kids
Drinking coffee and other sources of caffeine, like soda, can cause even more health issues in children since their bodies are still developing. Children who consume caffeine can become dehydrated and possibly experience a slower absorption of nutrients such as calcium.
It’s also easier for children to overdose on caffeine because of their generally smaller size. For kids, symptoms of caffeine overdose can include vomiting, disorientation or hallucinations. Children and teens who have existing health conditions, such as heart problems or seizures, may be at an even higher risk of overdosing on caffeine.
The Bottom Line About Kids and Caffeine
Caffeine is present in many แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ different foods and drinks, and it’s naturally occurring in foods like chocolate. It’s likely that many people get at least some caffeine in the course of a normal day without specifically trying to consume caffeine.