These kids' chief caffeine source was, surprisingly, iced tea, which many parents may not realize contains caffeine. Like adults, kids who are regular caffeine drinkers suffer ill effects when they don't get a regular shot. In a recent study by Stanford neurobiologist Avram Goldstein, fifth and sixth graders at a suburban Denver school deprived of daily caffeine reported having symptoms including trouble thinking clearly, not feeling energetic and getting angry. A lot of kids already have chaotic lives. Caffeine can also be harmful to children's growing bodies, since it can cause excess excretion of calcium and magnesium, says Gail Frank, nutrition professor at California State University, Long Beach, and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
Phosphoric acid can also break down tooth enamel.
And common children's ailments like ear infections and respiratory irritations that produce colds, bronchitis and asthma may be exacerbated by caffeinated, carbonated drinks, according to Dr. William Cochran, pediatric gastroenterologist at Penn State's Geisinger Clinic and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics nutrition committee. In both his research and pediatric practice, Cochran has found that most children with chronic ear infections and respiratory illnesses have refluxing problems. As kids guzzle caffeinated and other sodas at increasing rates, researchers like Frank worry about potential problems that won't be seen until kids mature. We may see increasing rates of osteoporosis. Meanwhile, Frank recommends that children and teens stay well under 100 milligrams of caffeine a day, which amounts to one or two cans of soda, depending on the caffeine content.