Coffee Safety in Children
Coffee consumption in children should be limited to no more than 2.5 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight per day, as higher amounts can lead to adverse effects such as anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. 1, 2
Safe Caffeine Limits for Children
- Children and adolescents should consume less than 2.5 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight daily, which is equivalent to approximately 1 small cup of coffee or 1-2 cups of tea 1, 2
- Higher caffeine intakes (>5 mg/kg/day) in children are associated with increased risk of anxiety and withdrawal symptoms 2, 3
- While moderate caffeine consumption appears relatively safe in most children, individual sensitivity varies significantly 4
- The safety recommendations are based on the most current guidelines from health authorities including the European Food Safety Authority 1
Potential Risks of Caffeine in Children
- Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can occur in children who regularly consume caffeine and then stop, including headache, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and nausea 5
- Higher doses of caffeine (>400 mg) can cause physiological, psychological, and behavioral harm, particularly in children with pre-existing psychiatric or cardiac conditions 4
- The effects of caffeine on developing bodies are not as extensively studied as in adults, creating a knowledge gap regarding long-term impacts 4, 3
- Children metabolize caffeine differently than adults - while newborns metabolize caffeine slowly, children from age 1 to adolescence actually metabolize caffeine about twice as fast as non-smoking adults 6
Caffeine Sources and Considerations
- Coffee contains 50-300 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving, while tea contains 15-50 mg per 8 oz serving 2
- Tea may be a more appropriate caffeine source for children compared to coffee or energy drinks due to its lower caffeine content, contribution to fluid intake, and presence of beneficial flavonoids 3
- Caffeinated soft drinks and energy drinks are less suitable options due to their acidity, potentially higher caffeine content, added sugars, and absence of beneficial bioactive compounds 1, 3
- Parents should be aware of caffeine content in various products consumed by children, as caffeine is found in many foods beyond coffee, including tea, soft drinks, chocolate, and some medications 7, 8
Practical Recommendations
- Parents should monitor and limit children's caffeine intake from all sources, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, and chocolate 2, 3
- For a 30 kg (66 lb) child, the maximum recommended caffeine intake would be 75 mg per day (30 kg × 2.5 mg/kg) 1, 2
- Decaffeinated beverages can be healthier alternatives as they still contain beneficial compounds like phenolic acids and flavonoids, though in reduced amounts 1
- When serving coffee or tea to children, be mindful of additions like sugar, cream, or flavorings that can add calories and affect overall diet quality 1