It is known that excess caffeine is harmful to children, who, like adults, can also overdo it. Therefore, the recommendations of the experts is that you have to monitor caffeine intake in children.
They advise that they drink non-caffeinated beverages and restrict the consumption of foods that contain it, such as chocolate, not exceeding 20 to 50 mg daily. To give you an idea, a can of cola contains 40 mg.
Although there is no pediatric guide on caffeine consumption in children, it is known that overdose tends to cause sleep disorders, nervous excitement and concentration problems.
A trial conducted with 228 families at the Nebraska Medical Center (USA) reveals that 75% of children between the ages of five and 12 consume excessive caffeine, with a daily intake of 52 mg among children under five to seven years old and up to 109 mg in those aged seven to twelve years.
Although they related excessive consumption with less sleep, they have not been able to associate it with bedwetting (urine leaks in childhood). It is often believed that drinking soda with caffeine encourages peeing in bed, however, although caffeine is diuretic, the theory is not scientifically supported.
They clarify that the consumption itself is not bad, if it is moderate. Improves attention and performance. Anyway, it is important monitor caffeine intake in children and especially avoid it after hours of eating, since it is slow absorption and takes about three hours to act.
