One in Four Parents Say Their Teen Consumes Caffeine Daily or Nearly Every Day

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by EurekAlert!

A quarter of parents report that caffeine is basically part of their teen’s daily life, according to a national poll.

Two in three parents think they know whether their teen’s caffeine intake is appropriate and which products have too much caffeine. Yet a third aren’t able to identify recommended caffeine limits, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

“Our report suggests parents may not always be aware of how much they should be limiting caffeine consumption for teens,” said poll co-director and Mott pediatrician Susan Woolford, M.D.

“Even for parents who know the recommendations, estimating their teen’s caffeine intake can be challenging.”

Soda is teens’ top caffeinated product of choice, according to the nationally representative report that’s based on responses from 1,095 parents of teens polled in February.

Tea and coffee came in as the second most popular caffeine source while less than a fourth of parents said their teen consumed energy drinks.

Two in five parents whose teens consume caffeine most or all days of the week say their teen has it because it’s in their favorite product while less than a fourth say it’s because their peers drink it.

Fewer parents believe their teen drinks caffeine to stay awake during the school day, manage an early school start time or help with studying or focus.

“As parents appear to suggest that teens consume caffeine more for the taste than for the stimulant effect, it may be possible for parents to encourage the use of similar tasting options that are caffeine-free,” Woolford said. “But parents may not even be aware that kids are drinking several caffeinated drinks a day and how it’s adding up.”

Source: EurekAlert!
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1044686