Caffeine is a stimulant found in several products, including soda, chocolate, tea and some medications. The side effects of consuming caffeine can be more pronounced in children, and you may find that caffeine affects your child's growth and nutrition. It is important to understand how to avoid these negative effects and make sure your child gets the nutrients he needs.
Stunted Growth
According to KidsHealth, there are some claims that caffeine will stunt your child's growth, but as of 2011 these claims are not supported by research. However, consuming caffeine during pregnancy may affect your baby's growth. A study by the Reproductive Epidemiology Program at the California Department of Health Service, published in a 1991 edition of the "American Journal of Public Health," found that women who regularly consumed more than 300mg of caffeine a day increased their babies' risk of low birth weight or fetal growth retardation.
Nutrition
Consuming too much of products that contain caffeine, such as soft drinks and tea, can keep your child from getting the nutrients he needs from other foods and beverages. Many caffeine beverages lack calcium and vitamins, so filling up on them can result in nutritional deficiencies and affect your child's growth and development.
Other Effects
In addition to potentially affecting your child's growth, caffeine can cause your child to experience jitters, headaches and an increased heart rate. It can also cause him to have trouble sleeping. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which can cause him to urinate frequently and lose important nutrients. In young children, these caffeine effects will occur quicker than in older children and adults.
Recommendations
Babycenter states that the United States does not have limits for the amount of caffeine a child should have. You can reduce the effects that caffeine has on your child's growth by eliminating coffee or caffeinated soft drinks from her diet. Lower her intake of iced tea or chocolate products, which also contain caffeine, and instead offer her milk, water and 100 percent fruit juice. If your child is used to having a lot of caffeine, reduce her intake gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms like headaches and irritability.
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