Healthy Caffeine Levels for Kids
Is there a safe level of consumption of caffeine for children?
It appears that some individuals are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others. There is not enough research, especially Australian research, to determine a safe level of caffeine consumption for children. Until a safe consumption level of caffeine for children is determined, beverages with added caffeine as an ingredient are not recommended for school aged children. Coffee flavoured products such as flavoured milk contain varying, but usually lower, amounts of caffeine. Coffee flavoured products are recommended to be sold only in high school canteens.
What is caffeine?
Caffeine occurs naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans and kola nuts and is regularly consumed in the form of coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate as well as some medications.
What effect does caffeine have on kids?
Research into the effects of caffeine consumption have mainly focussed on adults, but children also consume caffeine. Overseas studies on the health effects of caffeine consumption on children include increased anxiety, jitteriness, increased blood pressure and sleep disturbances. Withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and irritability may also arise in regular consumers upon abstinence from caffeine. These effects were evident at varying levels of caffeine from as little as 50mg per day.
How much caffeine is in food and beverages?
The amount of caffeine depends on how the drink is made and how strong it is, but here is a general guide.
Caffeine Concentration of Common Food/ Beverage Items:
| Food |
Caffeine content |
| Percolated coffee |
60-120 mg/250mL cup |
| Formulated caffeinated beverages or' Energy' Drinks |
80 mg/250 mL can |
| Instant coffee (1 teaspoon/cup) |
60-80 mg/250 mL cup |
| Tea |
10-50 mg/250 mL cup |
| Coca Cola |
48.75mg/375ml can |
| Milk Chocolate |
20 mg/100g bar
|
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