Can a child have coffee? – GOOD SHAPE

Coffee is a drink that is present in the daily lives of many Brazilians, especially adults, who benefit from the caffeine present, a psychoactive substance that provides energy and reduces fatigue.

In older individuals, if consumed correctly, it can provide well-being, increased concentration and alertness.

However, it is this same substance that is of most concern when it comes to children consuming coffee. At first, it is interesting to understand how it works in the body.

Caffeine, simply put, acts as a central and peripheral nervous system stimulator. In the cardiovascular system, there is an increase in blood pressure and body temperature, along with increased blood flow and cerebral vasoconstriction.

In addition, the substance also affects other systems, causing increased respiratory rate, bronchoconstriction, increased diuresis and elevated levels of fatty acids. Finally, caffeine alters sleep, which can reduce its duration and quality.

Generally, it is used to reduce daytime sleepiness, but it interferes with night rest, becoming a vicious cycle. This issue, when it comes to children, is even more critical, since they are in the development phase.

The child who does not have a regulated sleep may have the structural and functional development of the brain affected, and may have increased difficulty in learning, attention, creativity and cognitive and motor functions.

Furthermore, children are more sensitive to caffeine, meaning that low doses can already cause intoxication or adverse effects such as anxiety, nervousness and nausea. Coffee, despite being rich in this substance, is not the only one that contains it.

Foods such as chocolate, mate tea, black tea, green tea, cola and energy drinks are also high in caffeine and can cause similar effects.

Thus, if the child’s diet contains one or more of these foods, it is already necessary to analyze and take special care about the effects they may have on the child’s body.

Another point to be analyzed is which foods accompany this coffee. This is not just important for children, but this is a phase of growth and development where nutrients are extremely important.

Therefore, the classic café au lait, which is part of Brazilian culture, is not recommended for consumption. This is because caffeine reduces the absorption of calcium in milk, which is essential for this stage of life.

In addition, another very common practice is drinking coffee after lunch, a very important meal that should provide several essential nutrients, including iron.

However, caffeine also decreases its absorption and may, in the long term, subject this child to anemia.

Therefore, it is understood in the literature that the consumption of coffee by children does not have any benefit, and may disrupt their development of the nervous and cardiovascular systems and even cause transient behavioral disturbances in cases of toxicity.

In this way, the consumption of teas such as chamomile, lemon balm and mint can be encouraged, which can be offered from 6 months of age, as long as there is no added sugar or sweetener.