Three 8 oz. cups of coffee (about 250 milligrams of caffeine) per day is considered an average or moderate amount of caffeine.
Ten 8 oz. cups of coffee per day is considered excessive intake of caffeine.
How much caffeine a child receives should be closely monitored. Although caffeine is safe in moderate amounts, it may negatively affect a child’s nutrition. Caffeinated beverages may be replacing nutritious drinks such as milk. A child who consumes caffeine may also eat less, because caffeine suppresses the appetite.
There is no nutritional requirement for caffeine, so it can be completely restricted in a child’s diet. Caffeine is a stimulant. Avoiding caffeine may be necessary for a hyperactive child.
If you are pregnant or if you have coronary heart disease or peptic ulcers, your health care provider may recommend that you limit or avoid caffeine intake.
Many drugs will interact with caffeine. Consult with your health care provider or pharmacist about potential interactions with caffeine whenever you take medications.
More health information on caffeine and coffee is available from the National Institutes of Health.
