Things That Can Happen to Kids Who Have Too Much Caffeine

From candy to soda, caffeine is in many of the everyday foods and snacks that kids like to eat. While caffeine may serve to perk up tired moms in the carpool line or get them through the afternoon cubicle slump, it is not necessary for anyone̵7;s diet, according to the Kids Health website. Parents may not notice a change when their child occasionally consumes caffeine from a chocolate bar or soft drink at a birthday party, but regular consumption can have short- and long-term effects.

  1. Immediate Physical Reactions

    • Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine can cause physical reactions in children. Often parents will notice that their child is extremely jittery or restless after drinking a lot of caffeine, followed by an upset stomach or a headache. Inside the body, the extra caffeine increases a child̵7;s heart rate and blood pressure. Difficulty sleeping and anxiety are other natural reactions to drinking too much caffeine.

    Nutritional Deficiencies

    • The Kids Health website explains that children who consume one or more sweetened sodas daily are at a greater risk for obesity. The empty calories fill kids̵7; bellies without providing the necessary protein, vitamins and minerals that kids need to be healthy. Replacing milk with soda also puts children at risk for not getting enough calcium for strong bones and teeth.

    Dental Issues

    • Another negative side effect of children drinking too many caffeinated drinks is dental cavities. The large amount of sugar and acid in the soda can erode the tooth enamel, leaving it vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay.

    Unexpected Dehydration

    • Caffeine is a diuretic, and kids who drink too much caffeine may find themselves using the bathroom with greater frequency. Losing fluids in the toilet can make a child become dehydrated in time. If kids do not replace the lost fluids with water or another hydrating beverage, being dehydrated can lead to negative side effects, like dizziness and difficulty concentrating.

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