Dangerous levels of caffeine consumption on the rise in kids, Nationwide Children’s says

The number of children exposed to often dangerous levels of caffeine has been steadily on the rise, and is only increasing, according to a national study by Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Central Ohio Poison Center.

From 2011 to 2023, the United States saw a 17% increase in overall exposures to caffeine energy products to kids, not including tea, coffee or caffeinated soft drinks. While solids, like pills, had gone down in exposure numbers, liquids like energy drinks rose by 35% and powders or granules, like increasingly popular pre-workout powders, rose by 633%.

These powders have “unclear dosing instructions” and are likely to be mistaken by kids for other food items like candy, according to Dr. Hannah Hays, co-author of the study and medical director of the Central Ohio Poison Center. Approximately 98% of exposures in children younger than age 6 and 56% of exposures for children ages 6 through 12 were “unintentional,” which is “consistent with the natural curiosity and exploratory nature of these age groups.”

Powders are also highly concentrated, Hays noted, as they’re meant to be diluted with liquid, making them more dangerous for kids who might see a parent consuming the powder but not know how to properly consume it.

American Academy of Pediatrics says there is no safe amount of caffeine consumption for children under 12, and advises that all children and teens refrain from consuming energy drinks.

Tips, tricks and signs when it comes to caffeine in kids

The most common side effects for a caffeine overdose in kids were nausea, vomiting, agitation and increased heart rate, according to the study. In some cases, children experienced seizures.

Hays recommends that parents and guardians practice safe storage with caffeine products by keeping them in their original containers and out of reach and sight of children. Parents and guardians also should not consume caffeine products in front of their kids.

If you suspect your child is experiencing a caffeine overdose, you can call your regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 to speak to specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Samantha Hendrickson is The Dispatch’s medical business and health care reporter. She can be reached at [email protected]