I love coffee but people tell me that it stunts your growth. Is that true?
- Tara*

No, coffee doesn't stunt your growth. But coffee does contain caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system. For most people, a cup or two of coffee a day doesn't do any harm. But if you're drinking more — especially if you are getting caffeine from other sources, like soda — you may want to cut back. That's because high doses of caffeine can cause anxiety and dizziness, and may interfere with normal sleep.

If you decide to cut back or stop drinking coffee, do so gradually. Stopping suddenly can cause unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, irritability, and fatigue.

It's best to ask your doctor if you should stop or cut back on drinking coffee. Caffeine can cause problems for people who have heart problems or are taking certain medications. It may also trigger migraine headaches.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: May 2010

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