Kids on caffeine

Science World, Oct, 1997

Have you had your morning jolt yet? If you're a typical teen, you probably have. New drinks pumped up with caffeine are crowding store shelves.

"Caffeine is the only drug kids can legally buy," says Marilyn Carroll, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. "They use it, and some of them abuse it."

Caffeine is mildly addictive and can cause headaches and anxiety. It can also decrease calcium absorption--a problem for teens, who don't get enough calcium in their diet. Consumer groups want the Food and Drug Administration to require nutrition labels to display caffeine levels.

How much caffeine have you had today? Take a look at the chart above to find out.