With pumpkin spice lattes becoming an autumn staple, it seems that everyone is having the drink – teenagers included.
But Dr Masarat Jilani, of bladder care company Jude, claims that this popular autumnal treat may be unsuitable for those under 18, as too much caffeine can have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of teens.
According to their own nutritional information, a large pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks contains more caffeine than a 12 to 18-year-old should consume in one day.
Even for adults it constitutes a full third of their recommended caffeine intake of 400mg.
A Starbucks venti-size pumpkin spice latte contains 133.7mg of caffeine in the UK (150mg in the United States), but young people aged 12-18 should have no more than 100mg.
UK Government reports have previously shown that “excessive consumption of caffeine by children can be linked to negative health outcomes in some children”.
Raising concerns around the autumnal drink’s suitability for teenagers, Dr Masarat says: “While we’ve rightly seen a lot of political interest in the risk that energy drinks with high caffeine content can pose to children and teens, less has been said about fashionable coffee drinks such as this season’s popular pumpkin spice latte.
“Excessive caffeine intake for young teens can lead to an increased heart rate, known as tachycardia, which can be dangerous, especially for teens with underlying heart conditions.
“Caffeine is also a diuretic and can lead to increased urination, which can easily slip over into dehydration in teens who aren’t compensated with enough water.”
She continued: “Physical harm aside, too much caffeine in teens can lead to mood swings, and restlessness, as well as exacerbating mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which are already common during adolescence.
“The daily recommended caffeine limit for teenagers is generally 100mg or less. A large PSL can contain as much as 150 mg of caffeine.
“The fact that a large PSL contains more than a teen’s recommended dose of caffeine means it’s worth talking to your teens about their after-school caffeine this autumn.
“Remind them that there is always an option to ask for decaf when ordering this season’s on-trend beverage. It won’t change the look of the drink, and their friends (or Instagram) won’t even need to know.”
