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Report: 3 Out Of 4 Kids Drink Caffeine Every Day

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A new report out Monday shows three out of four children drink caffeine every day. They're getting it from soda and powerful energy drinks, and for some young people, it's causing deadly results.

Christie Ileto has more on the dangers of kids buzzing on caffeine.

It's a caffeine crackdown after a new study shows three out of four kids are consuming the stimulant every day.

"It's not surprising when you're talking about soft drinks that kids have. The fact that caffeine is in chocolate, so it's really easy to end up having a cookie," said parent Paula Gallagher.

The CDC report says younger children get their caffeine from teas and older ones get it from soda, though energy drinks have become a common source.

"These kids are being flooded with caffeine everywhere they go, from soft drinks to energy drinks," said Mike Gimbel, drug expert.

Energy drink companies have long argued they don't market to minors, even testifying before federal lawmakers last summer.

This latest government probe follows recent reports about teens being hospitalized, some even dying, after consuming highly caffeinated drinks or energy beverages.

The parents of a 14-year-old Maryland girl allege drinking Monster contributed to her death.

Health experts have long argued caffeine has no place in a child's diet and too much can even cause an increase in health problems.

To keep her children healthy, Keyona Harris Johnson keeps caffeinated drinks far away from her kids.

"They drink lots of water. They drink milk," she said.

The study also shows while soda was the most common source of caffeine for older kids, intake declined for all ages as many schools stopped selling it.

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