Caffeine consumption among youth and teens has risen in recent years, largely due to the popularity of energy drink brands like Celsius and Alanis. However, children are exposed to caffeine in many everyday foods and beverages, including soda and chocolate. Research from the National Institute of Health explores the effects of caffeine on children’s health and development by evaluating its potential benefits and risks in children under the age of twelve. 

Some studies suggest caffeine can have short-term benefits. As a stimulant, caffeine activates the central nervous system, increasing alertness, attention, and reaction time. However, because children have a lower body mass than adults, they may experience stronger physiological effects due to varying metabolic effects. Sleep disruption is one of the most common concerns regarding caffeine consumption in adolescents. Adequate sleep is essential for healthy physical, cognitive, and psychological growth and development. Disrupting this process may indirectly alter the weight and growth of children, as well as emotional and behavioral regulation and sensitivity, presenting increasing concern for the child’s development. 

However, these effects largely depend on the amount of caffeine consumed. Researchers analyze caffeine intake in children by body weight, with low doses around 1 mg per kilogram per day, moderate doses around 3 mg/kg/day, and high doses around 5 mg/kg/day. While low amounts may produce mild stimulating effects, moderate and high levels are more likely to lead to negative health outcomes. Since children are more sensitive to caffeine, even moderate consumption can have noticeable physiological effects.

Understanding how caffeine dose and intake affects children can assist in developing healthier dietary habits and helping kids maintain proper sleep habits and concentration. 

To learn more about the effects of caffeine in children, click here!

Chelsey Ko 

UConn KIDS Research Assistant

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