Sweetened
beverages are high in added sugar and may increase your child’s risk of certain
conditions, such as obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and diabetes.
Although
juice can provide important vitamins and minerals, whole fruit should always be
offered over fruit juice.
Caffeine
can cause jitteriness, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and sleep disturbances in
children, which is why you should restrict or forbid your child’s intake of
caffeinated beverages.
Many young children drink caffeinated beverages — such as soda, coffee, and energy drinks — which may have adverse effects on health.
One study reported that about 75% of U.S. children aged 6–19 consume caffeine, with an average intake of 25 mg per day in children 2–11 years old and double that amount in children aged 12–17.
Caffeine can cause jitteriness, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in kids, which is why beverages containing caffeine should be restricted based on age.
Children’s health organizations like the AAP suggests that caffeine should be limited to no more than 85–100 mg per day for children older than 12 and should be completely avoided in children under 12.
Parents should keep in mind that certain energy drinks can contain over 100 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce (354-ml) serving, making it necessary to restrict energy drinks for all children and adolescents to avoid excessive caffeination.