Caffeine is known for giving you a jump start--but what can lift you up can also bring you down if you consume it in abundance. Too much caffeine in the evening can disrupt sleep, and too much caffeine, period, can lead to a dependency that can trigger nervousness, headaches and other health problems. It doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite caffeinated beverage entirely--a safe daily range for caffeine intake is generally considered to be 250 to 400 milligrams--but instead be mindful of what you're drinking.
Because of caffeine's potentially harmful effects on children, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that kids should not consume energy drinks and that they should generally avoid all caffeinated beverages, including soda. Adolescents ages 12 to 18 should consume no more than 100 mg of caffeine each day--roughly the amount found in one 8-ounce cup of coffee.
Use this as a guide for the caffeine totals in your favorite drinks.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
