Coffee is not just a dark drink that awakens the senses; it is a culture, a civilization, and a daily habit that has united people for centuries. This is why International Coffee Day exists: to celebrate its global significance and recognize its economic, cultural, and health value. However, behind this celebration lies a story worth telling, objectives worth understanding, and impacts that must be discussed—especially for children and pregnant women, the two groups most sensitive to caffeine.
Effects of Coffee on Children
Caffeine affects each child differently, but there are common side effects among children who consume coffee, particularly Turkish coffee. Often, you might see teenagers or even younger children stopping at coffee shops for a cup, mostly iced coffee. Although a 13-year-old drinking coffee may seem inappropriate, children often enjoy this “adult habit.” Key effects include:
1. Impairs Growth
Caffeine can interfere with the formation of essential neural connections in the brain. Studies on lab rats showed that those given coffee experienced sleep and cognitive development issues compared to rats that didn’t consume coffee.
2. Sleep Problems
Children aged 8–12 need about 10 hours of sleep per night, while teenagers require 8–9 hours. Drinking coffee, especially in the evening, can lead to difficulty falling asleep and insomnia. Every 10 mg of caffeine can reduce sleep duration by up to 12%.
3. Impacts Nutrition
Caffeine stimulates the brain’s reward and addiction centers, which can reduce appetite and affect food preferences, leading to nutritional issues.
4. Caffeine Dependence
Regular coffee consumption may create dependence, causing headaches or mood changes if intake is reduced, similar to withdrawal symptoms.
5. Reduces Concentration
High coffee intake can lead to hyperactivity in children, making it difficult for them to focus in school or during activities.
6. Reduces Calcium Absorption
Caffeine negatively affects calcium absorption. For example, 100 mg of caffeine can cause a child to lose about 6 mg of calcium—critical for bone growth and overall development.
7. Affects Dental Health
Coffee is acidic, which can weaken teeth enamel, increase cavities, and harm gums over time.
8. Causes Dehydration
Caffeine acts as a mild diuretic, increasing water loss and potentially causing dehydration if children do not drink enough fluids.
Can Children Drink Coffee?
It depends on age. Younger children are recommended to avoid coffee entirely due to caffeine content. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not encourage caffeine consumption for children. Some countries, like Canada, provide basic daily limits:
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Ages 4–6: 45 mg (≈ half a cup of coffee)
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Ages 7–9: 62.5 mg
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Ages 10–12: 85 mg
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Teenagers: 85–100 mg
Effects of Coffee on Pregnant Women and the Fetus
Caffeine Reaches the Fetus
Pregnancy is a very sensitive period. Any substance the mother consumes can affect the fetus.
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Risk of Miscarriage and Preterm Birth: Consuming more than 200 mg of caffeine per day (~2 cups of coffee) can increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm delivery by affecting blood flow to the placenta.
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Crosses the Placenta: The fetus is directly exposed to caffeine, which can affect development since the fetal liver is not mature enough to process it. Studies link high caffeine intake to low birth weight and potential later cognitive or motor delays.
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Effects Beyond Birth: High caffeine consumption during pregnancy may increase the risk of childhood health issues, including early obesity or even certain cancers.
Recommended Caffeine Intake
| Group | Maximum Daily Intake |
|---|---|
| Healthy Adults | 300–400 mg (≈ 3–4 cups) |
| Teenagers | ≤ 100 mg |
| Children | Avoid completely |
| Pregnant Women | ≤ 200 mg |
| Heart/Hypertension Patients | Consult a doctor for adjustment |
Key Notes
Caffeine can cause psychological and physical dependence, and sudden cessation may lead to headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Moderation is key: consumed wisely, coffee can be a healthy habit rather than a risk.
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