The exciting effects of caffeine are well known. In fact, these effects are the same for you and for your children. With one difference: since young children are smaller, less caffeine is needed to affect their functioning. Older people and adolescents are also still developing and the impact of caffeine on their nervous and cardiovascular systems cannot be neglected.
Thus on the youngest organisms, the adverse effects can be numerous and exacerbated:
Heart rhythm disorders; Anxiety, agitation and nervousness; Dehydration; Headaches; Sleep problems; Tremors; Digestive problems. Not before 12 years
So much so that in the United States, the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that “there is currently no proven safe dose of caffeine for children under 12 years of age and that All children under the age of 18 should avoid energy drinks completely.”
On this side of the Atlantic, the recommendations are less firm. The European Food Safety Authority advises not to exceed 3 mg of caffeine per kg per day for children and adolescents. So, for a child weighing 20kg, it is advisable not to exceed 60mg per day.
Clearly, caffeine is not completely suitable for your child… But tell yourself that he probably already consumes it, by drinking soda or eating chocolate. Just remember that a 12cl cup of filter coffee contains almost 100mg compared to 20mg for a glass of soda and barely 5mg for a cup of hot chocolate. So choose chocolate.
Smartphone in the toilet: why should you not sit for more than 10 minutes?
Source: Destination Santé
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