Caffeine Consumption Among Youth
Between August 2021 and August 2023, 62.6% of youth consumed caffeine on a given day, as highlighted by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Average Caffeine Intake
On average, American children consumed 19.4 mg of caffeine daily, with intake increasing with age:
- Ages 2 to 5: 5 mg
- Ages 6 to 11: 12 mg
- Ages 12 to 19: 30.7 mg
Effects of Caffeine
Caffeine consumption in youth can lead to:
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Increased sugar levels
- Adverse effects on cardiovascular systems
Top Sources of Caffeine
The top five sources of caffeine among youth include various food and beverage items:
-
Ages 2 to 11:
- Sweet bakery products: 28.1%
- Flavored milk: 17.4%
- Candy: 16.3%
- Soda: 11.7%
- Tea: 9.6%
-
Ages 12 to 19:
- Soda: 20.3%
- Sweet bakery products: 19.1%
- Tea: 14.6%
- Coffee: 14.0%
- Candy: 10.7%
Caffeine Guidelines
Caffeine consumption guidelines for children, primarily from Canada, suggest the following daily limits:
- Ages 4 to 6: 45 mg (about half a cup of coffee)
- Ages 7 to 9: 62.5 mg
- Ages 10 to 12: 85 mg
- Adolescents: 85 to 100 mg
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends discouraging caffeine consumption for children, emphasizing the need for awareness as caffeinated products become increasingly accessible to youth.
