Parents, if you're worried about children eating too much sugar — you can go ahead and add caffeine to the list as well.
No, we're not talking about kids drinking miniature cups of espresso or coffees at their tea parties, but caffeine can be found in everything from chocolate baked goods to fizzy pop drinks, according to The Winnipeg Free Press.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can be found in most coffees, teas, chocolate, sugary drinks and energy drinks. One study found 98 per cent of people in North America consume some kind of caffeine every day, according to Greatist.com.
For the little ones who have a sweet tooth, Health Canada recommends 45 milligrams of caffeine for children between the ages of four to six, and up to 85 milligrams of caffeine for children at the ages of 10 to 12.
But for adults, it's also proven that a few cups of morning Joe shouldn't hurt — at least in small amounts. Coffee can be an energy booster and can help prevent cancer or even lower the risks of depression. But health experts say that it doesn't take a lot of caffeine to do long-term damage in kids, according to news service MCT Informational Services. Over consumption of caffeine in kids can lead to obesity, dental cavities and dehydration.
Here are 10 reasons why drinking excessive amounts of caffeine can be bad for your child (and you):
