CDC data shows high caffeine consumption among U.S. youth

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics indicate that 62.6% of American youth consumed caffeine on a given day between August 2021 and August 2023. The study, which analyzed more than 1,700 individuals aged 2 to 19, found that average daily caffeine intake increases with age. Children aged 2 to 5 consumed an average of 5 mg, those aged 6 to 11 averaged 12 mg, and adolescents aged 12 to 19 averaged 30.7 mg.

For children aged 2 to 11, sweet bakery products were the primary source of caffeine at 28.1%, followed by flavored milk, candy, soda, and tea. Among adolescents aged 12 to 19, soda was the leading source at 20.3%, followed by sweet bakery products at 19.1%, tea, coffee, and candy.

Health experts note that caffeine consumption can disrupt sleep, increase added sugar intake, and affect cardiovascular development. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of requirement for caffeine to be listed on nutrition labels, which may mislead consumers. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages caffeine use in children, while Canadian guidelines provide specific daily limits based on age groups.