25-09 - Flipbook - Page 38
Mi n i str i es
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Tea: a mug contains about 75mg
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Energy drinks: often contain 80mg in a 250ml can
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Soft drinks: typically contains about 40mg per can
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Chocolate: there is around 25mg of caffeine in a 50g bar of dark
chocolate and around 10mg in a 50g bar of milk chocolate
Dentists say using them over time can irritate the gums - similar to snus and
nicotine pouches.
Some experts worry caffeine pouches could be a gateway to using these.
Bini Suresh is head of dietetics at the Cleveland Clinic, London, and a
spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association.
She says using pouches may feel "trendy" or harmless, but there's a real risk of
normalising stimulant use in teens and young adults, potentially creating
patterns of dependency.
She told the BBC: "While caffeine may give a temporary boost, it can disrupt
sleep and worsen fatigue over time, especially in children and teens who are
more sensitive to its effects."
If young people are going to have caffeine, the BDA and NHS both advise
caution.
The European Food Safety Authority suggests 3mg/kg body weight as the
upper limit for children and adolescents, meaning a child weighing 30kg
should have no more than 90mg in a day.
Instead of reaching for caffeine, Ms Suresh says it's far better to focus on
regular meals, hydration and nutrient-rich foods that support steady energy
levels throughout the day.
A healthy diet with enough iron, protein and slow-releasing
carbohydrates should do the job, she says.
