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Cited by 49Coffee research and impactsSleep and related disordersTea Polyphenols and Effects

The suitability of caffeinated drinks for children: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials, observational studies and expert panel guidelines

Ruxton, C. H. S.·2014·Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
DOI 10.1111/jhn.12172
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Abstract

Background: The increased availability of caffeinated drinks raises questions about the level of caffeine that is appropriate for children, as well as the benefits and risks associated with their consumption. Methods: Using the P referred R eporting I tems for S ystematic R eviews and M eta‐A nalyses guidelines, this systematic review evaluates evidence from randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of caffeine on cognition, behaviour, mood and exercise performance in children. Observational studies and expert panel guidelines are also discussed. Results: One hundred and nine studies were found, with 11 randomised controlled trials and 13 observational studies meeting the criteria. High caffeine intakes (e.g. >5 mg kg–1 body weight day–1) were associated with an increased risk of anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. However, smaller amounts were not linked with such effects and may benefit cognitive function and sports performance based on adult studies. The evidence suggests that children and adolescents should limit daily caffeine consumption to 2.5 mg kg–1 body weight day–1, equating to one or two cups of tea or one small cup of coffee. Lower contributors of caffeine, such as tea, may be more appropriate for children because they contribute to daily fluid intakes and provide flavonoids. By contrast, caffeinated soft drinks may be less suitable options for children as a result of their acidity, higher caffeine content, presence of added sugar (in some cases) and absence of bioactive compounds. Conclusions: More studies are needed to determine the intakes that represent a risk and whether there may be benefits for alertness and sports performance with moderate intakes of caffeine.

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62 of 62 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • A 250 mL energy drink has an average of 80 mg of caffeine (range 27-87 mg), compared to 40 g of caffeine (range 30-60 mg) in a 330 mL cola drink.

    “One reason for this may be the considerably higher level of caffeine content in energy drinks: a 250 mL energy drink has an average of 80 mg of caffeine (range: 27-87 mg), compared to 40 g of caffeine (range: 30-60 mg) in a 330 mL cola drink [110].”

    From The negative impact of sugar-sweetened beverages on children’s health: an update of the literature (2018) · cites this paper as [110]

  • None of the results from dose-response and placebo-controlled research in children and adolescents at caffeine doses ranging from 50 to 300 mg suggest that caffeine at these doses is acutely harmful to children and adolescents.

    “None of the results suggest that caffeine at these doses is acutely harmful to children and adolescents (183).”

    From The Safety of Ingested Caffeine: A Comprehensive Review (2017) · cites this paper as [183]

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Authors
Ruxton, C. H. S.
Affiliations
Nutrition Communications Cupar UK
Corresponding author
Ruxton, C. H. S.
ORCID
Ruxton, C. H. S.
Venue
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2013-11
Volume
27
Issue
4
Pages
342-357
ISSN
  • 0952-3871 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-277X
DOI
10.1111/jhn.12172
OpenAlex
W1973248861
Cited by
49
References
62
Citations by year
2025: 8 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 1
FWCI
0.50
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Tea Advisory Panel
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Coffee research and impacts
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and related disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Tea Polyphenols and Effects
Keywords
caffeine, caffeinated drinks, children, adolescents, cognitive function, behavior, mood, exercise performance, anxiety, withdrawal symptoms, tea, coffee, soft drinks, flavonoids, fluid intake, sugar content
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Affect, Beverages, Caffeine, Child, Child Behavior, Coffee, Cognition, Food Labeling, Humans, Tea, Exercise, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Nutrition Policy, Observational Studies as Topic

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