Thanks to the popularity of products like soda and energy
drinks, children and teenagers may be consuming more caffeine
than ever before. According to a study done by the Official
Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average
adolescent caffeine intake is 60 to 70 milligrams a day, and can
range all the way up to 800 mg a day. Jan Rary, registered
dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Marietta Memorial
Hospital isn't sure if there is a truly safe amount of caffeine
for children. "I believe it should be consumed very moderately
if ever," said Rary. "It provides no nutritional benefit and can
affect children's health." The healthy range for adults is up to
200 or 300 mg a day, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Energy drinks have especially high sugar and caffeine levels.
Caffeine amounts for some popular food and drinks McDonald's
Coffee large, 16 fl. oz., 133 mg. Arizona Iced Tea, all green
tea varieties 16 fl. oz., 15 mg. Coca-Cola, 12 oz., 35 mg.
Pepsi, 12 oz., 38 mg. 5-hour energy,1.