Teens and caffeine pouches – know the dangers

Rebelling and doing things your parents don’t approve of is arguably part and parcel of being a teenager. But there is a growing trend amongst teens today and it’s causing health experts some concern. Caffeine pouches are soaring in popularity. They’re small, cheap, inconspicuous and there is no minimum age limit on purchasing them. But read on to discover why the medical professionals at YourGP believe parents and teens should be warned of the dangers these pouches potentially pose.

The big “buzz” on social media

Caffeine pouches are designed to be placed between the lip and the gum, to deliver a quick caffeine hit straight to the bloodstream. Anyone can buy them, there is no minimum age limit, and they are relatively cheap.

Pouches contain as much as 200 mg of caffeine, roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee, and they are so small and discreet that parents may not even realise their child is using them.

Their growing popularity has been aided to a large degree by social media and claims by influencers that they can help you stay alert when studying and enhance your performance in the gym. In response, we’re seeing more and more young people using them on a regular basis.

The effects of too much caffeine

Caffeine is safe for most healthy adults to consume in controlled amounts. Generally, up to 400mg of caffeine, or four cups of instant coffee per day is considered safe (with the exception of pregnant and breastfeeding women). However, too much caffeine can lead to the follow effects:

• Nausea
• Feeling anxious and irritable
• Headaches
• Disruption to sleep

Excessive caffeine consumption can cause a rapid heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms and seizures. And although it is rare, there have been cases recorded of people dying from excessive caffeine consumption.

Teenagers can be particularly sensitive to caffeine, which means the risks are greater. What’s more, we’re seeing a growing trend for teenagers to experiment with using more than one caffeine pouch at a time for a stronger hit. Plus, dentists are reporting an increase in gum irritation resulting from caffeine pouch use.

A healthy alternative

Peer pressure can be a lot for any teenager to contend with, but educating your child about the dangers of caffeine pouches and empowering them to make healthy choices is the best thing a parent can do.

If your child thinks they need to resort to caffeine to boost their energy levels, encourage them to look at their current diet. Are they eating regular meals consisting of nutritious, balanced food? Are they getting enough protein, iron and slow-release carbohydrates, for example? Are they drinking enough water to stay hydrated? And are they getting enough quality sleep each night? If not, this is a great place to start in terms of helping them on the path to good health throughout their teenage years and beyond.

Speak to the experts at YourGP

For more help and advice on how to help your family on the path to good health, use our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.