Caffeine Poisoning What Every Parent Must Know Now

Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. This central nervous system stimulant is found naturally in the fruit, leaves, and seeds of several different plants, and has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Found in coffee, tea, guarana, cacao pods, and kola nuts, caffeine has recently been added to a much wider variety of products. This has greatly increased the risk of caffeine overdose, once a condition almost completely unheard of, yet now occurring more and more frequently, especially in children.

It seems that hardly a day goes by without some new caffeine-containing product hitting the market. Energy drinks can contain many times the caffeine of a regular soda or cup of coffee. Energy bars and supplements are now available with extra caffeine, added for endurance during exercise. Diet pills use caffeine to reduce appetite, and some claim that the stimulant effect helps to burn calories. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can contain caffeine, and there are even brands of potato chips and chewing gum that contain the stimulant. When added to sources such as coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate, the spread of caffeine into products means that it can be difficult to avoid.

With the pervasiveness of caffeine, parents must consider the possibility of caffeine overdose. While it would take a very large amount of caffeine to produce caffeine poisoning in adults--5 to 10 grams, the amount found in eighty strong cups of coffee--children are much more susceptible to the effects of caffeine. This means that a child can overdose on only one gram of caffeine. If this still sounds like an unrealistically large amount of caffeine for someone to drink in one day, consider that one 2.5oz serving of Redline Power Rush energy drink contains 350mg of caffeine. One ounce of Ammo, an "energy shot" whose directions state it should be diluted but which is usually consumed straight, contains 171mg of caffeine. Fixx, an energy drink aimed at serious weight-lifters, contains a whopping half a gram of caffeine per 20 ounce bottle. By contrast, a twelve ounce can of Pepsi only contains 38mg of caffeine.

Not only is caffeine everywhere, children face a great deal of pressure to consume it. Energy drinks are "cool." Diet pills are increasingly popular with teenage girls and boys alike as they try to conform to the ideal body image reinforced by the media and peer pressure. More rigorous school classes and greater amounts of homework, combined with after-school and extracurricular activities, mean that our children are busier than ever and most don't get enough rest. Drinking a little "energy shot" or chewing some caffeine gum seems like a harmless way to get a little boost to finish studying for that final exam.

How can you know if your child is suffering from a caffeine overdose? There are some symptoms to watch out for. These include tremors, nausea and vomiting, a rapid heart beat which may also be irregular, anxiety, and confusion. Caffeine overdose can even mimic the symptoms of manic depression, schizophrenia, and panic disorder. With greater caffeine exposure, the child can experience disorientation, seizures, and difficulty breathing. In the most severe cases, these symptoms can lead to death.

More important than recognizing the symptoms of this once-rare overdose is educating your child on the safe use of caffeine. Most people don't realize that caffeine can be so very dangerous. One terrific website is www.EnergyFiend.com. Not only does it list the caffeine content of a wide array of food and drinks, it has a page called "Death By Caffeine" where you can input your weight, choose your favorite drink, and find out how much of it you'd have to consume to get a fatal dose of caffeine.

Finally, if you suspect that your child is suffering from caffeine poisoning, don't hesitate. Get medical attention immediately.