• Knowledgebase: Nutrition, Exercise, and Obesity

    Questions about child nutrition, exercise, and obesity/weight loss.

    4. Should I be concerned about my child’s intake of caffeine? - Top

    Q: Should I be concerned about my child’s intake of caffeine?

    A: We all know that coffee contains caffeine but children’s diets include hot cocoa, chocolate milk, chocolate and soda pop, all of which contain caffeine. Caffeine is not a nutrient and for children, there is no reason for it to be in their diet. Caffeine can cause problems such as Sleeplessness, frequent urination, agitation and hyperactivity. Treats containing chocolate should be offered only occasionally (that's hard for a chocoholic to say). Caffeine-free soda should be the choice for small children or fruit juices instead.

    - Updated: March 24, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP