why do people say that coffee stunts your growth?

Question

is that true i really want to know because i drink it all the time i dont think its true if you think otherwise plz awnser!

Answer 1

It's an old wives' tale because it should not be given to children. The caffene which boosted your energy, would be a bad idea to give to active children. It was just easier to explain say something like "it will stunt your growth". It doesn't stunt your growth anymore than drinking a coca-cola. Which, believe it or not, was also said to stunt children's growth! This was to moderate their liking for the sugary drink. Wonder if we should start saying that about sodas again?

Answer 2

Caffeine's listed side effects do not include growth retardation, but it is an analeptic, which means it stimulates in high doses, respiration and brain. It causes gastrointestinal irritation: nausea and diarrhea. When you have nausea, you may not want to eat. When you have diarrhea, you lose electrolytes needed for body. There is some deficit of body requirements with diarrhea. Perhaps those two side effects could decrease appetite, thus leading to less than required nutrition and then in the long run causing growth retardation.

Also sodas really have no nutritional value--just alot of caffeine and sugar. So, if one's diet contains many soda cans, then one is at nutritional deficit. What one eats determines nutritional status and growth especially in the formative years (youth).

Other side effects mom and dad don't want children to have are: nervousness, restlessness, tremors, insomnia, twitchings, and palpitation (very fast heart beat). It isn't all that great for young kids, especially if they have hyperactivity disorder like ADHD. It also isn't good for heart patients or those with heart problem/high blood pressure.

For pregnant women, the effects on the fetus is unknown...so they shouldn't drink coffee/any caffeinated beverage.


Note on Caffeine:

I think caffeine should be avoided unless you're really tired. It is good for mornings when really tired and you have a test or something. It is also good for driving when very sleepy. Pull over, drink a 16 oz cup of coffee, take a 30 minute nap, then you'll snap out of that hazy feeling and be safer on the road. You can drink a 12-16 oz cup (60-180 mg) every 3-4 hours, but maximum dose of caffeine should be <500 mg, after which effects on the heart and brain can be seen.

I think that was too much info on caffeine ... but it is now the highly abused stimulant, as I read in the papers.

Answer 3

The old timers said it for children wouldn,t be flying off the handle by having to much caffeine in them. I know it an old wise tales there so many out there some are true some are bullshits. I gave my new born son homemade wine for ear infections it work! doctors says it childs abuse, go screw it made my kids healthy , thank GOD.

Answer 4

No, it's just an old wive's tale. Parents usually tell kids that, so that children will stay away from the drug (caffeine IS a drug). Like red wine, two cups/glasses per day is beneficial to one's health .... anything more than that, is bad for you.

Answer 5

No it is not true. Three coups a day makes a better circulation of blood in your body and other positive effects.

Answer 6

i do`nt know it never hurt me i`m 6 foot 3.and if i had a growth i would want to stunt it.

Answer 7

I think adults use this line on adolescents to keep them from drinking too much caffeine

Answer 8

It is not true, but people think it is an adult drink.

Thank you very much, while you're up!

Answer 9

It's not true. It is told to young kids so they won't want to drink it. It doesn't work.

Answer 10

Nah, I've drank it all my life and I'm 5'3". That's just an old-wives tale.