Believe it or not, children are the newest demographic to embrace the coffee craze. A 2015 Boston Medical Center study found that 15% of toddlers drink up to 4 ounces of coffee every day. For a youngster of that age and size, that is half a cup, which is not a small serving. According to the study, 2.5% of children under the age of one consumed coffee, and by the age of two, the percentage rose. But can young children have coffee?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) formed a special task committee in 2014 to address the increased caffeine use among kids. 73% of American children regularly consume caffeine in some manner, according to their special report. The most common sources of caffeine included soda drinks. Coffee-based beverages were second. In fact, between 2009 and 2010, children drank coffee for around a quarter of their caffeine intake. Energy drinks came in third, and more people are consuming them. In addition, tea was particularly popular among young children beginning at roughly age 2. Caffeine in extremely high dosages can result in cardiac arrest and seizures, both of which can be fatal. Additionally, caffeine can suppress appetite, which makes it harder for young children to recognize when they are actually hungry and increases the likelihood that they will skip a meal or snack after consuming caffeine. Due to their lower body mass and inability to absorb caffeine as well as adults, children, especially toddlers, are more susceptible to the harmful health effects of caffeine. What happens to a toddler's brain if they consume the same cup of coffee every day for years? It may be obvious right away that a cup of coffee gives a 2-year-old a lot of extra energy. What the potential long-term effects might be is difficult to predict. Overall, the rise in youngsters drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages is a reflection of how many Americans sees caffeine as "normal" and risk-free. Caffeine should be viewed as a strong substance and stimulant, despite the fact that it is widely available and consumed. Will your toddler's consumption of coffee have a long-term harmful impact on their health? No, most likely not. However, drinking coffee or tea every day can be bad for your toddler's health as they get older. You might wish to discuss the potential effects on your child's development with your doctor if you are starting your infant on a habit of drinking coffee or tea every day.
If you want your child to participate in a family tradition of sharing a hot cup of coffee, think about making a special drink that doesn't contain caffeine. You can also talk to your child about why coffee might not be a healthy choice for them and encourage them to read labels of foods and beverages to see if they contain caffeine. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises waiting until your child is 12 years old and then capping their caffeine intake at no more than 100 milligrams per day—the amount found in a cup (8 ounces) of home-brewed coffee—despite the fact that much is still unclear. Simply watch out for coffee shop variations, since they could contain more caffeine due to the use of stronger coffee or the availability of larger serving quantities.
ZS DMO Karla P. Calapardo, RND
Reference:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/is-coffee-safe-for-toddlers-415174
