You may be wondering at what age can you drink coffee. If so, then you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world enjoy drinking coffee every day. But did you know that there’s no age requirement for drinking coffee?
You can start enjoying this delicious beverage at any age!
Is your kid as fond of a cup o’ morning Joe as you? Is your kid looking forward to a cup of java at the local coffee shop after school? There is much debate about coffee’s effects on children and teens, with coffee consumption rising.
We asked what age can you drink coffee and other questions to Diane Vizthum M.S.R.D., a research nutritionist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Table of Contents
At what age can you drink coffee?
While individual children are different, I find it less likely to recommend coffee for younger children. The main problem with kids drinking coffee is its caffeine content. There are currently no guidelines regarding caffeine intake for children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages children from consuming caffeine. Canada has some guidelines. These guidelines recommend that caffeine intake be limited to the following daily limits:
- Ages 4-6: 45 mg (about half a cup of coffee).
- Ages 7-9: 62.5 mg.
- Ages 10-12: 85 mg.
- Adolescents: 85-100 mg.
Caffeinated soda (37mg per 12 ounces), tea (48mg per 8 ounces), hot chocolate (10mg per 12 ounces), and caffeinated coffee (37mg per 12 ounces). Chocolate (10-30mg per 1.5 oz). It can also be added to many sports products and energy drinks.
What does caffeine do to children?
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Caffeine’s dose-response mechanism is evident. Children are smaller in size so it takes less to affect their functioning. Children and adolescents are still developing, so it is difficult to know how caffeine affects their nervous systems or cardiovascular systems.
Too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, acid reflux, and increased heart rate.
Too much caffeine can be dangerous for children, and toxic in very high doses. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness. It is better to consult a pediatrician if your child feels like he/she needs caffeine to get through the day.
There are now many specialty coffee drinks available. What effect can these drinks have upon children and teenagers?
These drinks are often high in caffeine and have high amounts of sugar, cream, and whipped cream. These drinks are more like desserts and can lead to excessive sugar and calorie intake if they are consumed frequently.
There is increasing evidence of the positive effects of coffee on adults, including a decreased risk of stroke, cancer, and certain heart conditions. These benefits could one day be extended to children.
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Research is showing that coffee beans contain antioxidants, which are known to protect against diseases. There is no evidence to show that coffee consumption in childhood can have a positive or negative impact on adulthood. To answer this question, long-term studies are needed.
Conclusion
I would advise caution and limit caffeine and coffee intake, especially for children under 5.
So, at what age can you drink coffee? The answer is any age!
Coffee is a great way to get energy and stay alert, no matter how old you are. So don’t wait until you’re 18 – start drinking coffee today! Click To Tweet