The consumption of high-caffeine beverages among adolescents is rapidly increasing. According to a survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the rate of middle and high school students consuming high-caffeine drinks three or more times per week rose from 3.3% in 2015 to 12.2% in 2019, an increase of about four times, and soared to 23.5% in 2024. In particular, the consumption rate among high school students is about twice as high as that of middle school students, raising concerns. Many adolescents are turning to high-caffeine drinks due to academic stress, fatigue relief, and the desire to improve concentration. However, this habit can cause health problems that go beyond simple routines.
In addition to its temporary stimulating effects, caffeine can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure, and it can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients like iron and calcium. This is especially concerning for adolescents in their growth period, as calcium absorption is critical for bone and muscle development. Indiscriminate consumption of high-caffeine beverages can hinder growth. A study by the University at Buffalo in the United States found that when 96 adolescents aged 8 to 17 consumed high-caffeine drinks, all participants experienced increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
In response, experts are highlighting 'milk' as an essential beverage for adolescents during their growth period instead of high-caffeine drinks. One glass of milk (200ml) contains one-third of the daily recommended calcium intake and one-eighth of the recommended protein intake, and its absorption rate in the body is higher than that of other foods. In addition to protein and calcium, milk provides a balanced supply of various nutrients, including vitamin D, B vitamins, and essential amino acids, making it known as a 'complete food' due to its well-rounded nutritional profile.
Kang Jaeheon, a professor of family medicine at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, explained the importance of milk consumption, stating, "Milk contains nutrients such as lactose, protein, and vitamin D, which help with calcium absorption, resulting in an absorption rate of about 40%. It is an effective food for bone health and osteoporosis prevention in adolescents during their growth period."
The adolescent years, from upper elementary through middle and high school, are a time of rapid growth, making a balanced diet essential. However, due to busy academic schedules, many adolescents skip breakfast or have irregular meals. In such cases, milk, which is easy to drink and replenishes essential nutrients, is considered an effective alternative for managing nutrition during the growth period.
In fact, milk consumption also affects height growth. While the average height of Korean adolescents has increased slightly each year, their calcium intake remains less than half the recommended daily amount of 800mg. According to an in-depth dietary report by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as of 2022, only one in five adolescents drinks milk at least once a day, and milk consumption rates have continued to decline for both boys and girls since the mid-2010s. In contrast, the Netherlands, where the annual per capita milk consumption exceeds 100kg, is one of the countries with the tallest average height in the world, with Dutch men being about 10cm taller on average than Korean men. This is cited as a representative example demonstrating the correlation between milk consumption and growth.
The Korea Dairy Committee emphasized, "Milk is a representative food that provides essential nutrients for children and adolescents during their growth period. Drinking just one or two glasses of milk a day can greatly benefit health and growth. In particular, for busy adolescents who are likely to skip breakfast, it is important to ensure that milk is provided at least in school meals so that basic nutrition is met, and this requires social attention and consideration."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
