| Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in | | | | about 4-6 hours, excessive intake (600 mg or more, |
| beans, leaves, and fruit of over 60 plants throughout | | | | an equivalent of 6 cups of coffee) may cause |
| the world. Caffeine is best known for its stimulant | | | | irritability, inability to seep, and restlessness. |
| effect. | | | | In high doses, it may even lead to hallucinations and |
| In recent years caffeine-containing beverages, such as | | | | delirium. Research indicates that caffeine increases |
| energy drinks, have become trendy, especially among | | | | excretion of calcium, a mineral essential for healthy |
| teenagers and young adults. Many drink those | | | | and strong bones, causing decrease in mineral bone |
| beverages to be able to stay up to study or party. | | | | density and accelerated bone loss what puts caffeine |
| Others drink it because it makes them fit in with their | | | | consumers at a higher risk of osteoporosis and bone |
| peers. | | | | fracture. Caffeine is a mildly addictive substance thus |
| Many energy drinks are loaded with sugar, corn syrup, | | | | chronic and excessive use may lead to dependence. |
| and more caffeine that is recommended by the FDA. | | | | Caffeine consumption in children should be monitored |
| For example, the FDA restricts caffeine consumption | | | | and kept at a minimum, as their nervous and |
| to 72 mg per 12 oz of a beverage, while many energy | | | | cardiovascular systems are still developing and might |
| drinks exceed this recommendation. Experts agree | | | | be more sensitive to the caffeine's adverse effects. |
| that consumption of about 300 mg of caffeine a day, | | | | For children, the main source of caffeine should be |
| an equivalent of 3 cups of coffee, is safe. However, | | | | chocolate offered in moderation as an occasional |
| many people exceed that recommendation. | | | | treat. They should not be given coffee, pop, or energy |
| Caffeine stimulates the nervous and cardiovascular | | | | drinks. Parents should enforce milk consumption to |
| systems. It elevates mood, decreases fatigue, and | | | | assure bone health and teach their children effective |
| increases attentiveness. It also increases heart rate, | | | | time management to prevent the need to utilize |
| respiratory rate, and metabolism for a few hours after | | | | caffeine as a method to stay alert at night while |
| ingestion. Although caffeine's effects disappear in | | | | completing school assignments. |