What Are the Effects of Caffeine on Children?

Caffeine, the drug found in coffee, soda, iced tea and chocolate, affects the central nervous system of children. Small doses may increase their ability to concentrate, but in large doses, taken regularly, it can have harmful effects, including addiction. Bone mass may be affected by the mineral loss that caffeine causes. The substitution of caffeinated beverages for nutritious foods and beverages affects the overall health of the child. Caffeinated beverages can also affect the overall health and behavior of children.

Addiction

• Caffeine can create dependency in anyone who ingests it regularly, even when it is taken in moderate or small doses. Withdrawal symptoms experienced by children who have become dependent on caffeine are similar to withdrawal symptoms experienced by adults. Some of these symptoms include lethargy, irritability and difficulty thinking clearly.

Bone Mass

• The bones of children are still growing, and continued ingestion of caffeine inhibits this process. Caffeine causes excess excretion of calcium and magnesium through the urine. Calcium and magnesium are necessary for the formation of strong bones, and the loss of large amounts of these minerals can affect bone growth in children.

Nutrition

• Caffeinated beverages are often substituted for more nutritious beverages, such as milk, juice or water. In addition, frequent consumption of these beverages can fill the child's stomach, reducing the appetite for nutritious foods. The combination of these two factors can contribute to a lack of overall nutritional value in a child's diet.

Soda

• Caffeinated soda, in particular, can be detrimental to children's health. These sodas contain phosphoric acid, which can both erode tooth enamel and lead to bone fractures. In addition, the combination of caffeine and carbonation can trigger reflux in children, which can lead to many childhood illnesses, including ear infections and colds.

Behavior

• Children who drink caffeine can have difficulty concentrating in school. They may become anxious and nervous due to the caffeine in their diet, or more prone to an emotional response. These symptoms are related to the amount of caffeine ingested regularly, with high levels of caffeine creating more pronounced symptoms than low doses.