Caffeine and Children

Despite years of warnings from pediatricians and other health professionals that coffee and other caffeinated beverages like sodas and sports drinks can be harmful to youth, and parents are allowing their little ones -- even toddlers -- to drink those beverages. Because children are usually smaller in body size, it takes less caffeine to impair their functioning. An insignificant amount for an adult could be overwhelming for a small child. Too much caffeine can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, contribute to acid reflux, and cause anxiety and sleep disturbances in children. In very high doses, caffeine can be dangerous. "Another problem with kids drinking coffee is that it's of little nutritional value, and it's replacing something that should be nutritionally complete, such as milk and water," Corkins said. "Milk is packed with calcium and vitamin D, and water is a nutrient. We're like 60% water, basically an ocean."