Caffeine-related ER visits are on the rise for children

The rate of children aged 11 to 14 being brought to emergency rooms for caffeine-related reasons doubled from 2017 to 2023, according to Epic Research.

The study included more than 223 million emergency room visits. Researchers found these visits increased among middle-school-aged children from 3.1 per 100,000 in 2017 to 6.5 per 100,000 in 2023. In addition, more males were brought to emergency rooms for caffeine-related reasons than females.

Poison control centers also reported a 24% rise in calls about children and adolescents consuming energy drinks and having a reaction in 2023.

Dr. Noah King, a pediatrician with Advocate Children’s Hospital, says children under the age of 12 should not consume any caffeine. He also mentions that while there is no well-established threshold for adolescents and teenagers, general recommendations suggest caffeine consumption should be kept to less than 100 to 200 mg a day or avoided entirely.

“No one technically ‘needs’ caffeine,” he explains. “It is a central nervous system stimulant that can increase alertness, energy and concentration. A child is much more sensitive to caffeine than an adult. Side effects of caffeine consumption can include respiratory and cardiac changes, including heart palpitations and arrhythmias. Other adverse effects can include anxiousness, agitation, and behavioral changes and abnormalities.”

Caffeine consumption can be especially dangerous among children and adolescents with heart or lung problems, as it increases both respiration and heart rate.

“Keep in mind that beverages aren’t the only way your child may be exposed to caffeine,” Dr. King advises. “In the last decade, there are significantly more products that contain caffeine that are being marketed to teens. And, unfortunately, access to these products is increasing. Energy drinks, energy bars, energy mints and chews, preworkouts, bars, gels and many other products can contain caffeine and stimulants. And while caffeine is often clearly labeled, sometimes there are hidden amounts elsewhere with more inconspicuous names, like green tea, coffee beans, guarana and other pharmaceutical stimulants. Many of these products have extremely high volumes of caffeine.”

He recommends keeping children and teens of all ages away from energy drinks and reading labels on any packaged bars they may consume.

“It’s also important to note the American Academy of Pediatrics and many high school sports associations recommend athletes do not consume caffeine,” Dr. King says.

Are you trying to find a pediatrician? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.