Statistics & Quantities

Surveys show that 77% of children aged 6 months and older consume regular amounts of caffeine.^H-WSOC

The most conservative estimates in a 1994 survey by the Department of Agriculture have children and teens guzzling more than 64 gallons of soda a year, an amount that has tripled for teens since 1978, doubled for the 6-11 set and increased by a quarter for tots younger than 5.^TCRO

The average 6 ounce cup of coffee contains about 103 mg of caffeine. A 12 ounce cola contains about 37 mg, a 12 ounce Mountain Dew has 55 mg, and a 12 ounce Krank₂O contains about 71 mg of caffeine.^H-WSOC

Experts say about 50 to 100 milligrams of caffeine a day is okay for children over 40 pounds. [However], Dietitian Jill McCann says these new soft drinks have little substance. They don't have any vitamins or minerals and the regular sodas are all sugar.^H-WSOC

12 ounces of a regular Starbucks coffee contains about 190 milligrams of caffeine, more than three times the amount in a similar-sized can of Coke or Pepsi (35-60 milligrams of caffeine).^TCRO

Health Issues

Caffeine and carbonated beverages can trigger "refluxing," in which a faulty sphincter muscle mechanism allows the acid contents of the upper stomach to back up and irritate portions of the respiratory tract - including the throat and ears.^TCRO

Caffeine – totally lacking in nutritional value – does not add taste, texture or color to a soft drink.^KHC

Children who drink lots of caffeinated beverages may miss getting the calcium they need from milk to build strong bones and teeth.^KHC

Caffeine can also be harmful to the growing bodies of children. Large doses of caffeine cause excessive excretion of calcium and magnesium, vital elements for the formation of a normal bone mass.^TCRO

The drinking of caffeinated, carbonated drinks may exacerbate common childhood ailments such as ear infections and respiratory irritations that produce colds, bronchitis and asthma.^TCRO

In the page, "Ask the Dietitian - Caffeine," Joanne Larsen , MS, RD, LD, answers several questions about caffeine.

Peer Pressure

In fast-food joints, convenience stores and restaurants - where many children get up to 40 percent of their meals - it is common to see young children and teens downing "big gulp" sized caffeinated sodas or lining up for seconds and thirds and refillable soda stations. These megadrinks can pack a wallop equal to three cups of strong coffee. Remember that this amount of caffeine is bombarding a body that may be only two-thirds the size of an adult [or smaller].^TCRO

In school cafeterias, children are bypassing milk for cans of soda that contain huge amounts of caffeine.^TCRO

Dozens of school districts have succumbed to the almighty dollar in agreeing to exclusive contracts with specific cola manufacturers as well as the right to put ads on gym walls and school buses. Soda companies also plaster their ads and logos on everything from free textbook covers to computer screen savers and mouse pads.^TCRO

Four of the five most popular soft drinks sold in the United States are caffeinated - No. 4 Sprite, is the only exception. With the proliferation of coffee shops, children and teens now have another outlet for caffeine consumption. At their favorite hangout, many juvenile customers scorn decaf in favor of sugary coffee drinks.^TCRO

Indeed, the best-selling product at grocery stores is soda, which accounts for almost $12 Billion in sales each year.^TCRO

Addiction

Caffeine is addictive. If you're like many people and you don't get your daily fix, your body goes into withdrawal. Dr Wark says, "It also seems to produce headaches. Especially with children who come to my clinic with headaches, I'm always asking about caffeinated drinks."^H-WSOC

Some other symptoms of caffeine dependency include tremors, irritability or sleeplessness. Doctors say if your child is hooked on caffeinated beverages you can reduce withdrawal symptoms if you slowly reduce the amount of caffeine they drink.^H-WSOC

Like adults, children who are regular caffeine drinkers suffer ill effects when they do not get a regular "shot." In one study, fifth and sixth graders who were deprived of daily caffeine reported having symptoms including trouble thinking clearly, not feeling energetic and getting angry. Even those consuming less than the equivalent of one soda each day felt symptoms. In effect, these children had become dependent on caffeine.^TCRO

On "Caffeine withdrawal in children," the University of Minnesota cautions, "Caffeine withdrawal affects children the same way it does adults. When kids in a recent study went cold turkey their response time on a performance test fell."

Pregnancy

Unborn children may be affected by caffeine passing through placental barrier.^CMCSB

In a Q&A column, "Is Caffeine During Pregnancy Harmful? Women.com Pregnancy Channel" author Tori Kropp, RN, said, "Here's the scoop on caffeine. Yes, it's a stimulant, and it does cross the placenta. So when you have some, so does your baby. The concern is that caffeine constricts blood vessels and can theoretically decrease maternal blood flow to the baby. There have been lots of studies about caffeine and pregnancy, and it is generally considered best to eliminate it altogether or decrease the amount of caffeine you consume when you're pregnant. Though an occasional soda should not cause problems, try lemonade or other refreshing caffeine substitutes."