Does Caffeine Stunt Growth in Children and Adolescents?
No, caffeine does not stunt growth in children and adolescents when consumed at recommended safe levels (<2.5 mg/kg body weight daily). The evidence shows no correlation between typical dietary caffeine intake and impaired linear growth in healthy young people, though excessive consumption should be avoided for other health reasons.
Evidence-Based Safe Caffeine Limits for Youth
Children and adolescents should limit caffeine intake to <2.5 mg per kg of body weight daily (equivalent to approximately 1-2 cups of tea or 1 small cup of coffee daily), as recommended by multiple health authorities 1, 2, 3. This translates to roughly 150-210 mg/day for most adolescents aged 13-18 years 1.
Direct Evidence on Growth
The strongest evidence directly addressing this question comes from a prospective longitudinal study that found no correlation between dietary caffeine intake and total body bone mineral gain during adolescence (ages 12-18) or hip bone density at age 18 in white teenage females 4. This study tracked participants over 6 years and found no differences in bone gain among groups consuming <25 mg/day, 25-50 mg/day, or >50 mg/day of caffeine 4.
Important Caveats About Excessive Consumption
While moderate caffeine intake appears safe for growth, excessive caffeine consumption can have concerning effects:
- Animal studies show dose- and time-dependent inhibition of longitudinal bone growth with high caffeine exposure, potentially by blocking physiologic changes in body composition and hormones (IGF-1, estradiol, testosterone) relevant to bone growth 5
- A systematic review concluded that caffeine consumption can hamper children's growth and development when consumed excessively, though it supports central nervous system activation 6
- High caffeine intakes (>5 mg/kg/day) are associated with increased risk of anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in youth 1
Clinical Pitfalls to Avoid
The real concern is not caffeine itself at moderate doses, but rather:
- Sugar-sweetened caffeinated beverages that contribute excess calories and displace nutrient-dense foods like milk 4. The highest caffeine consumers in one study consumed more sugar and less milk (and therefore less calcium) 4
- Energy drinks with variable and often high caffeine content, which are particularly popular among adolescents 1
- Timing of consumption affecting sleep, which is critical for growth, given caffeine's 2.5-10 hour half-life 7
Practical Recommendations
For typical caffeine consumption patterns in American youth (averaging 14-77 mg/day), there is no evidence of growth impairment 4. However, parents should:
- Monitor total daily caffeine intake to stay below 2.5 mg/kg body weight 1, 2
- Ensure adequate calcium intake (particularly if caffeine sources displace milk consumption) 4
- Avoid high-dose caffeine products marketed to youth 1
- Limit afternoon/evening caffeine to protect sleep quality 7
The evidence indicates that moderate caffeine intake within recommended guidelines does not stunt growth, but excessive consumption should be avoided due to other potential adverse effects on anxiety, sleep, and overall nutritional quality 1, 6, 3, 8.