The Effects of Caffeine on Adolescents

by Anvitha Mattapalli, Edited by Harvi Karatha, Inchara J, & Jeet Parikh, Layout by Tristan Castro, Art by Evelyn Chen, & Blogged by Sahithi Lingampalli

Caffeine is found in the seeds and leaves of many plants and is added to coffee and chocolate. About 73% of all children intake caffeine daily. Kids tend to stock up on caffeine before a sports match or pulling an all-nighter, for caffeine temporarily increases energy and heart rate levels as well as mood. However, excessive intake of caffeine can negatively impact adolescents with the consequences varying based on gender, age, weight, etc.

During childhood, important connections in the brain are being formed, and caffeine often decreases its efficiency and even disturbs this process. Short-term effects of caffeine intake include insomnia, diuresis, cardiac arrhythmia, nervousness, restlessness, excitement, and inexhaustibility. For every 10 milligrams of caffeine a teenager consumes, their ability to sleep for 8.5 hours decreases by roughly 12%. This can be detrimental as sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Moreover, an increase in caffeine consumption results in a decrease in bone calcium: this leads to bone loss and a higher chance of osteoporosis.

Caffeine is addictive for many individuals. Suddenly stopping the consumption of caffeine can lead to withdrawal symptoms that include headache, fatigue, depression, sleepiness, a reduced attention span, nausea, and anxiety.

Excess caffeine intake in a limited period can result in death. Davis Allen Cripe, a 16-year-old who was not under any drugs and had no health conditions, lost his life after consuming a cafe latte, a Diet Mountain Dew, and an energy drink within two hours. This is one of the most fatal cases of caffeine intake in adolescents. Other cases include hospitalization due to cardiac or neurological conditions triggered by caffeine.

We all know caffeine for being in coffee and chocolate, but caffeine is also found in energy drinks. One of the most common misconceptions about energy drinks is switching them up with sports drinks, like Gatorade. Energy drinks have caffeine and guarana while sports drinks have carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. One energy drink can have 14 soda cans worth of caffeine, which is why healthcare professionals strongly disapprove of the inclusion of energy drinks into a child’s diet.

There are alternatives to caffeine like peppermint tea, chai tea, water hydration, and fruit smoothies. However, the most effective and healthy ways to gain energy aren’t drinks like the ones stated. Get enough nutrition, exercise, and sleep!

References

Amy Morin, L. C. S. W. (2020, February 3). Learn If You Should Let Your Teenager Drink Caffeinated Drinks. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/effects-of-caffeine-on-teenagers-4126761.

Joy, K. (2017, May 31). Parents, Perk Up to the Dangers of Caffeine for Teens. Caffeine and Teens: How Much Caffeine Can A Teenager Have? https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/childrens-health/parents-perk-up-to-dangers-of-caffeine-for-teens.

Art by Evelyn Chen

Art by Evelyn Chen