No, despite the common misconception, drinking coffee does not stunt your growth, as there is no scientific medical evidence suggesting that coffee or caffeine directly impacts height, according to experts at Harvard Medical School.
However, while young adults can generally consume coffee without worry about growth, the impact of caffeine on young children, particularly those under 12, is a controversial topic. Concerns have been raised about its potential to disrupt iron absorption, sleep patterns, and other physiological processes crucial for growth and development. For example, a 2020 systematic review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found a link between excessive caffeine intake (around 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day) and sleep disorders, asthma, and bedwetting in children under 12. These health issues can indirectly affect a child's overall growth and development.
Given the potential negative effects of caffeine on sleep, especially in children, switching to decaffeinated coffee can be a good alternative for those looking to enjoy a flavorful cup without the worry.
Does Caffeine Stunt Your Growth?
No, caffeine does not stunt your growth. There is no research showing that drinking regular caffeinated coffee directly impacts a person's growth. Stunting (or linear growth retardation), as defined by Tyler Vaivada, a clinical researcher at the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, is a condition affecting children under five. It is characterized by a child's height being significantly below average for their age, and is a sign of chronic malnutrition. This malnutrition can be caused by various factors, including poor nutrition during pregnancy, inadequate feeding in infancy, and broader issues like poverty and limited access to nutritious food — not by drinking coffee.
For example, a 2007 randomized controlled trial by researchers from the University of Aarhus found that for every 1,000 mg per week increase in caffeine intake during pregnancy (equivalent to about 10 cups of coffee), there was a 1.3% fall in birth weight. Furthermore, the birth weight of babies born to women who drank caffeinated coffee was 16 grams lower than that of those born to women who drank decaffeinated coffee. Lower birth weight can be a concern as it may increase the risk of health problems in newborns.
This image shows various factors that contribute to growth stunting in children.
So, does drinking coffee make you short? No, there is no scientific evidence that drinking coffee directly causes stunted growth in young adults. The belief that "coffee stunts your growth" originated from early studies suggesting caffeine caused calcium loss, leading to weaker bones and potentially hindering growth. However, these theories have been disproven.
How Does Caffeine Affect a Child's Growth?
Caffeine does not directly stunt a child's growth, but studies have showed its consumption can indirectly affect growth by contributing to lower body weight, impaired iron absorption, and sleep disturbances.
- A 2023 cross-sectional study by Adisu Tafari Shama from Wollega University in Ethiopia found a correlation between drinking coffee and lower body mass index (BMI) in 551 school-age children from the Gudeya Bila District. Those who drank caffeinated coffee were found to be 2.25 times more likely to be thin than those who did not drink coffee.
- A 1999 clinical trial published in British Journal of Nutrition by Richard F Hurrell from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich found that drinking black coffee may reduce iron absorption due to its polyphenol content. Black coffee drinks containing 100-400 mg total chlorogenic acid per serving reduced iron (Fe) absorption by 60-90%. Since growth problems and anemia are often associated with iron deficiency, this finding suggests that excessive consumption of coffee, especially with meals, could potentially contribute to these issues in children who are already at risk.
- A 2020 systematic review from Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo found that caffeine intake can lead to chronic changes in sleep patterns, which could indirectly affect growth in children and adolescents.
This table summarizes five studies investigating the side effects of caffeine intake on sleep in children aged 5 to 15, with varying caffeine consumption levels (0–151 mg/day) and diverse findings on sleep duration and quality.
| Study | Participants | Interventions | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warzak et al. (2011) | 201 children; ages 5–12 | Caffeine intake: 52–109 mg/day | Caffeine reduces total sleeping time |
| Calhoun et al. (2011) | 77 children with excessive day drowsiness; ages 5–12 | Caffeine intake questionnaire | Caffeine is not associated to excessive day drowsiness |
| Calamaro et al. (2012) | 625 children; ages 6–10 | Caffeine intake: 1–5 cans of soda or cups of coffee per day | Caffeine produces 15 minutes less of sleep per night |
| Katz, et al. (2014) | 210 children; ages 9–15 | Drug testing | Caffeine increases start of sleep by 4 minutes |
| Watson et al. (2017) | 309 children; ages 8–12 | Caffeine intake: 0–151 mg/day | Caffeine is related to sleep disorders |
While this doesn't directly link coffee to stunted growth, it does highlight another way caffeine might indirectly affect children's development. Given these concerns about caffeine, parents might wonder if decaf coffee is a safer option for their growing children.
Does Decaf Coffee Stunt Your Growth?
No, drinking decaffeinated coffee does not stunt your growth. Research has debunked the myth that coffee, whether caffeinated or not, affects height. Decaf coffee allows you to enjoy the taste and aroma of your favorite brew without worrying about impacting your child's sleep or development. It's a simple swap that provides peace of mind, allowing you to share special moments over a warm cup, confident in your choice for your child.
