For adults, drinking black coffee that contains caffeine is common, even a habit. But, what if black coffee is consumed by small children? Check out the facts about drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks in children through the following description:.
You may often hear the myth that giving black coffee can help keep children healthy. But before giving coffee or other caffeinated drinks, first consider the following facts.
Fact about Little Boy Drinking Black Coffee
Black coffee, tea, chocolate, and certain soft drinks contain a substance called caffeine. These substances can affect the body's metabolism, stimulate the central nervous system, improve concentration, make you more alert and awake, and provide additional energy.
Although it has many benefits, in young children, coffee and other caffeinated drinks can have an adverse effect, because children's bodies respond to caffeine differently from adults.
The following are facts about the consumption of black coffee and other caffeinated beverages in children that are important for you to know:
1. Causes sleep disturbance
Consumption of black coffee or other caffeinated drinks in small doses is enough to keep children awake throughout the day. This is because the caffeine contained in black coffee and other beverages can be a stimulant that can increase children's blood pressure and heart rate, and make it difficult for them to sleep.
In addition, the increase in blood pressure due to caffeine can also cause children to become hyperactive and difficult to concentrate.
2. Trigger indigestion
Not only causing sleep disturbances, children who consume black coffee and other caffeinated drinks can also experience digestive disorders. This is because the caffeine content in it can increase stomach acid, making it easier for children to experience heartburn and stomach pain.
3. Increases the risk of malnutrition
Consuming black coffee and other caffeinated drinks can also increase the risk of children experiencing malnutrition. The reason is, these drinks do not contain nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that children need during their growth period. Consuming these types of drinks in excess can increase the risk of children experiencing malnutrition.
4. Mcause dehydration
Caffeine in black coffee and other drinks is a diuretic, which can cause the body to excrete a lot of fluids through urine. If the body fluids are excreted too much, the child is at risk of becoming dehydrated.
5. Inhibits child growth
Caffeine in black coffee and other beverages can also inhibit child growth. This is because caffeine can interfere with the absorption of calcium in the child's body, so that the child's bone growth will be disrupted.
6. Mcauses cavities
When consuming caffeinated drinks, the addition of sugar and other sweeteners is often done. This can cause the drinks consumed by children have a high sugar content, and if consumed too much, can cause children to develop dental caries or cavities.
7. Increases the risk of obesity
Black coffee mixed with syrup, sugar, whipped cream or whipped cream contain more calories. If the intake of calories is excessive, the body will automatically convert these calories into fat. Too much fat in the body can lead to obesity and various health problems.
8. Mcause side effects when stopped
The habit of consuming caffeine can cause side effects when you want to stop. Stopping caffeine suddenly can cause headaches, muscle aches, temporary depression, and irritability.
9. Worsens heart and nerve disease
For children who have congenital heart disease and neurological disorders, consumption of caffeinated beverages should be avoided. The reason is, consuming caffeinated drinks can exacerbate these two diseases.
Know the Limits of Caffeine Intake in Children
Actually, children or teenagers are allowed to consume caffeinated beverages, including black coffee. However, there is a limit in consuming it.
Here is the maximum limit of caffeine consumption per day in children:
- 45 mg for children aged 4-6 years.
- 62.5 mg for children aged 7-9 years.
- 85 mg for children aged 10-12 years.
In addition, for certain types of coffee, such as espresso, cappuccino, and latte, should be consumed when the child is 18 years old.
Be careful giving black coffee or caffeinated drinks to children. You can consult a pediatrician to find out what food and drink intake is good for the child's health and supports their growth and development.
