Caffeine is not addictive, and in moderate amounts it has not been shown to cause hyperactivity or be detrimental to children's health. But when kids routinely reach for caffeine-containing beverages, they often exclude more nutritious foods from their diet or consume more calories than they need. Although there are no established guidelines regarding caffeine consumption for children or adults, caffeine-containing beverages like soft drinks and coffees appear at the 'use occasionally' tip of the Food Guide Pyramid. Caffeine is a mild stimulant that affects the central nervous system, which is why some people drink coffee to stay alert. Although caffeine in small amounts doesn't appear to affect most children, too much can cause nervousness, irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness and temporarily speed the heart rate.
Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means it increases urination.
Because caffeine sensitivity can vary greatly between individuals, saying how much is too much for a specific child is difficult, Gorham added. But for most adults, moderate consumption is 200 to 300 milligrams per day, or about two cups of coffee a day. Also, encourage teens to order low-caffeine alternatives like decaffeinated coffees and iced herbal teas when visiting coffee shops with friends. Copyright 1999 Baylor College of Medicine. All Rights Reserved.