Caffeine Consumption in Toddlers

A common mistake is to think that decaffeinated coffee is caffeine. The decaffeination process removes, about 97% of the caffeine that makes your cup of decaffeinated coffee contain about 2-5 mg, an equivalent to the caffeine in a cup of chocolate milk or two tablespoons of chocolate syrup (see table below) during a regular coffee contains 40-150 mg of caffeine.

Moderate consumption of caffeine was not shown to be harmful to adults or children. Studies have shown thatmoderate amounts of caffeine do not cause hyperactivity, or increase the risk of cancer, osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease. Although in some cultures (eg Guatemala), coffee is for children from a very early age of a child's caffeine consumption should be closely monitored, introduced.

Caffeine is a mild stimulant known to affect the central nervous system. Therefore, moderate intake can make children nervous, anxious, nervous, frustrated and quick to anger. Caffeine is also aDiuretic, which means it increases urination. This can pose a potential problem, especially in hot weather, such as frequent urination may lead to dehydration if the lost cause fluid is not replaced by water.

Although a small amount of caffeine seems to be safe, moderate amounts of beverages containing caffeine can replace nutrient-rich foods like milk. A child may also eat less because caffeine acts as an appetite suppressant. Since there is no nutritional value to a growing child, hisConsumption should be restricted in the diets of children of all ages.

Below is a table containing caffeine content of foods.

Caffeine content of foods

Article Caffeine (mg) *

Espresso, 2 oz. 40-170
Coffee, brewed by drip method, 5 ounces 60-180
Coffee, instant, 5 oz 30-120
Decaffeinated coffee, 5 ounces 2-5
Iced tea, 12 ounces 67-76
Tea is brewed, 5 ounces 20-90
Decaffeinated or herbal teas, 5 ounces 0-1
Some dark carbonated beverages, 12 ounces to 30-46
Citrus flavored carbonated beverages, 12 ounces 0-65
Decaffeinated carbonated beverages, 12 ounces 0
Cocoa beverages, 5 ounces 2-20
Chocolate milk, 8 ounces 2-7
Milk chocolate, 1 oz. 1-15
Chocolate syrup, 2 tbsp. 4
Semi-sweet chocolate, 1 oz. 5-35
Baking chocolate, 1 oz. 26

* Source: FDA Consumer, 1987/January December 1988. Caffeine content of beverages varies due to brewing method, plant variety protection and trademark

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