Question

Should there be a minimum age or consumption limit for caffeinated beverages? What about on soda or caffeine pills? Is it acceptable to give an infant soda or coffee? What about a three year old? What about a teenager? or an 18 year old? How would that differ from hot chocolate or a candy bar?

Answer 1

Caffeine increases blood presssure, and increases the risk of heart attacks among young people. It causes breast tissue cysts, and increases the risk of gout attacks.It can lead to heart contractions, and leads to anxiety and depression.

Soda causes dehydration, and can cause depletion of calcium levels in the body. It can stress the pancreas, and can fluctuate blood sugar levels. Additionally, some diet sodas contain significant amounts of sodium, which may draw water from the cells and promote dehydration.

Keeping all this is mind, there must be a minimum consumption limit for such beverages or pills.

Excessive consumption of caffeine-rich drinks by a 3 year old can harm his health, keeping in mind the low immunity of children in this age.

A teenager can be considered as old enough to consume these, but he may not be aware of the adequate dosage of such drinks or pills. Consuming these more than the safe limit can seriously damage the health of a teenager. Even for a 18 year old, the person should be informed about the health hazards associated with soda and caffeine.

Hot chocolate and candy bar are much subtle in nature as compared to soda. Although excess consumption of candy among children can lead to illness, they are not as hazardous as compared to soda and caffeine.