After walking through the hallways of Dominion something becomes very apparent, there are more coffee cups than water bottles in the hands of students. After suffering through a long haul of homework or a big cram for an upcoming test, many students rely on coffee to get them through the night or the next school day. Many fail to realize the effects coffee may have on them.

        Coffee drinking typically begins at a young age and according to Webmd.com, “It may be unsafe for children to drink caffeinated coffee. The side effects associated with caffeine are usually more severe in children than adults.”

        Registered dietitian Danielle VenHuizen said, “Starting caffeine at a young age definitely can increase the odds of becoming addicted. It also takes more and more caffeine to produce the same desired effects, which means [that] someone may be consuming several caffeinated beverages a day, many of which can also be high in calories and contribute to weight gain.”

        Sophomore, Becca Thimmesch said, “My parents are big coffee drinkers, so I've been drinking it on and off since I was about eleven.” 

        While drinking coffee may appear harmless at first, many students quickly realize that there are alternative uses to coffee, rather than just enjoying the taste. Junior Christina Devon said, “I originally started drinking it for taste, mostly Starbucks mochas or seasonal drinks. Now, I occasionally drink it solely for the caffeine so I am able to stay up longer to finish homework.”

        While it may not be ideal to most students, “The best choice to replace caffeinated beverages is water. Proper hydration helps increase energy, regulate hunger and avoid headaches. Low-fat milk would be the second best choice as calcium is very important for growing kids and teens. Another option would be 100% fruit juice, but this should be used sparingly due to the high calorie content. Caffeine-free coffee and teas are other options,” VenHuizen said.

        President of Fountain Resources, Inc., a nutrition consulting company, Carolyn Katzin said, “Some people are relatively resistant to side effects and others find small quantities improve mental alertness, improve reaction time and clear their thoughts.” The director of the Center for Informed Food Choices (a group that promotes organic foods in Oakland, California) Michele Simon, went as far as to call coffee drinks, a “gateway drug” that hooks children on caffeine.  

        Simon’s words allow teenagers and parents to realize that there are negative side effects to drinking coffee. Katzin said, “For the majority of people, amounts above 200 mg per day lead to insomnia, irritability, headache, fatigue and irregular heartbeats.”

While all of those side effects may appear very minor, there are some extreme cases in which caffeine has an extreme averse effect.  “Amounts [of caffeine] above 750 mg per day are associated with caffeinism which is a toxic syndrome associated with burnout adrenal dependence and cold sweats.  Young people may have smaller body sizes and be more susceptible to such toxic effects,” Katzin said.

        For many students it is difficult to function without their morning cup of coffee; although there is an alternative to coffee. Katzin said, “Caffeine is only one of a range of natural beta adrenergic stimulants found in foods including dark chocolate.  Perhaps a small piece of dark chocolate might be more healthful.”

        While it is hard for students to go to sleep at a decent hour, going to bed earlier is the healthiest choice. Katzin said, “If students do have to get up earlier than they would prefer, then it is important to go to bed earlier too.” Katzin believes that it is a “smarter and healthier choice” for students to ditch the coffee and hit the hay.