Be careful, There is a Risk of Excess Caffeine in Children's Drinks

Maybe Mother never gives coffee to children. However, other drinks that children often drink, may contain caffeine. For example soda, coffee ice cream, tea, chocolate, yogurt and several types of painkillers. What are the dangers if a child consumes a lot of caffeine? Caffeine is actually a stimulant used in drugs to stimulate the central nervous system. Although many countries do not yet have a specific benchmark regarding maximum levels of caffeine intake for children, in Canada the consumption of caffeine allowed in children is only about 45mg of caffeine per day, or the equivalent of one can of soda. Though the study found, children are generally unwittingly able to consume 109 mg of caffeine or the equivalent of caffeine in 3 cans of soda.

Different Types of Beverages Contain Caffeine

Please check, do you often give the drinks below to your child? Let's look at the average amount of caffeine in it:

• 350 ml of iced tea contains 70 milligrams of caffeine.
• 30 ml of chocolate contains 20 milligrams of caffeine.
• 350 ml of soft drink contains 70 mg of caffeine.
• 150 ml of brewed coffee contains 115 mg of caffeine.
• 350 ml of iced tea contains 70 mg of caffeine.
• 30 ml of dark chocolate contains 20 mg of caffeine.
• 1 tablet of cold medicine or pain reliever, can contain 30 mg of caffeine.

Not that children should not consume drinks or drugs that contain caffeine at all. However, the amount should be limited. Familiarize children to consume healthy drinks such as mineral water, milk, and fresh fruit juice.

Effects of Caffeine on Children

As in adults, the effects of caffeine in children can cause stomachaches, headaches, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and increased heart rate. Even the smallest amount can trigger this effect in children. This condition can be more dangerous in children who do have special health conditions and are at risk of developing heart disease and neurological disorders. In addition, the effects that can be caused by excessive caffeine consumption include:

• Affects calcium absorption which has an impact on bone strength and growth.
• Increase the risk of excess weight, because the types of drinks containing caffeine that are loved by children are generally given a lot of added cream and sugar.
• Affects chemical levels in the brain that can affect behavior and socialization, because caffeine is a stimulant.
• Stimulate the brain and body to work harder, without increasing energy levels in children. Some teens consume energy drinks to improve performance during exercise, even though the caffeine contained in it makes the body feel more tired after activity.
• Can cause children to urinate more often and are more thirsty. It also increases the risk of dehydration.

If you ask your child to stop consuming drinks containing caffeine, be aware of the effects of sudden caffeine reduction. Can be a muscle ache, headache, and the body feels weak and depressed. Encourage children to rest more to minimize these effects. No need to worry, Bun, because energy levels will return to normal after the body adjusts without caffeine. If there are annoying complaints due to children consuming caffeine, do not hesitate to take your child to the pediatrician.