U.S. Kids Consume Caffeine Almost Everyday, Study Says

December 18th, 2010 - 7:41 pm ICT by GD  

By Meena Kar
cafDec 18, (THAINDIAN NEWS) It is astonishing to find that as many as 75% of American children consume caffeine on a daily basis. This is leading to insomnia among the largest consumers of caffeine a study has revealed. The findings of the study were published in the Journal of Pediatrics on Thursday. The source of caffeine is mainly pop, as suggested by the U.S. study.

Researchers at University of Nebraska Medical Center undertook a survey of the parents of 228 children aged 5 to 12 and the data was collected during their routine visits. These parents were asked as to the amount of caffeine taken by their children in beverages and snacks as well how much their children slept. Dr. William Warzak of the University along with his co-authors have revealed that the average intake of the kids was 2 to 3 times higher than the normal daily average of 22-23 milligram. Few children as young as 5 years consumed caffeine as much as a can of soda per day, according to Dr. William Warzak. Children aged between 8 and 12 consumed around 108 milligrams per day, which was almost equal to three cans of pop each of 355 mL. In opposition to popular belief, researchers found out that caffeine had nothing to do with bedwetting, even though it is a diuretic. Dr. William Warzak suggested that parents are required to be more cautious while monitoring the food habits of their children.

Following the study, it was concluded that more amount of caffeine consumed, the fewer hours the kids slept. However, researchers found no cause-and-effect link with sleep. None of those children ever had sleep disorders or medical conditions which could cause bedwetting. Nevertheless, caffeine consumption did have harmful effects on kids.

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