It is generally not recommended to give children coffee or any caffeinated drinks before their teenage years, that is, approximately before the age of 12, as caffeine can affect their sleep, growth, and concentration. After that age, it can be consumed in limited quantities under parental supervision.Dr. Darya Rusakova, a nutrition expert, in an interview with the 'Moscow 24' channel, advised not to allow children under the age of seven to drink coffee.The doctor points out that the nervous system at this age has not yet fully matured, which makes the child more sensitive to the effects of caffeine.Rusakova explained that caffeine can increase hyperactivity, emotional instability, and sleep problems in children, so it is best to avoid coffee altogether at this age. She also emphasized that even in older children, their health status should be considered before giving them coffee, especially if there are:- nervous hyperactivity- difficulty sleeping- heart or blood pressure problems- kidney or urinary system problems- stomach inflammation or disordersShe noted that caffeine can raise blood pressure and strain the heart and urinary system, and it can also irritate the stomach lining, so coffee should be avoided by children with digestive problems, especially during an acute gastritis episode.However, Rusakova said that if a child is over 7 years old and has no health problems, they can have a small amount of coffee, as it may help to activate them and improve their cognitive functions.The safe dose, according to her, is: 2.5 mg of caffeine per kilogram of the child's body weight per day.For comparison, a cup of cappuccino (200 ml) contains about 100 mg of caffeine.She also explained that for children, it is best to choose a light coffee diluted with milk or cream, and to avoid drinking it on an empty stomach to reduce stomach irritation.
