The Truth Revealed!

Many parents wonder: can children drink tea? The answer is: in general, it's not recommended to give Tea to infants under three years old.

Why Not?

Tea contains high levels of Caffeine, polyphenols, and Tannic acid, which may have adverse effects on the growth and development of infants.

• Caffeine: This is a central nervous system stimulant that can excite an infant's nervous system, leading to insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and other issues.
• Polyphenols: These can bind with iron in food, affecting iron absorption and potentially causing iron deficiency in infants.
• Tannic Acid: This can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, affecting digestive function. It can also bind with proteins, forming indigestible precipitates.

In addition, infants' digestive systems are not fully developed, and Drinking Tea can easily cause gastrointestinal discomfort or even diarrhea.

Precautions for Drinking Tea

For children over three years old who wish to drink tea, here are some important points to consider:

• Choose teas with low caffeine and low polyphenol content, such as chrysanthemum tea, mint tea, and malt tea.
• Avoid strong tea; the tea should be brewed more lightly.
• Avoid drinking tea immediately before or after meals to prevent digestive issues.
• Daily tea intake should be limited to less than 300 milliliters.

Tip: Plain water is the best beverage; parents should encourage their children to drink more plain water.

Summary

Children should drink tea cautiously, and parents should decide whether to allow their child to drink tea based on the child's actual situation, taking care to choose appropriate teas and control the amount consumed.