Can Coffee Stunt Your Growth? Debunking One of Coffee’s Biggest Myths

For generations, parents have warned their kids: “Don’t drink coffee—it’ll stunt your growth!”
But is there any truth behind this old belief?

Let’s explore whether your love for coffee is harming your height—or if it’s time to retire this myth for good.

Where the “Coffee Stunts Growth” Myth Began

The idea that coffee stunts growth dates back to early 20th-century marketing and medical misunderstanding.

Two major factors fueled the myth:

• Concerns over caffeine’s effect on calcium absorption
  

• Early (flawed) associations between caffeine and bone health
  

As noted by SCA’s 2023 Coffee and Health Perceptions Study:
"Historical campaigns against caffeine often overstated health concerns, leading to persistent myths about coffee and physical development."

But modern science tells a very different story.

Can Coffee Stunt Your Growth? Quick Answer: No

No—there is no scientific evidence that coffee stunts growth.

According to a comprehensive review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2016):
"Current evidence does not support an association between caffeine intake and impaired growth or bone health in children or adolescents."

Similarly:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) and
  

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
  

both acknowledge that while caffeine consumption in young people should be moderated, there is no link between coffee drinking and reduced height.

What Science Really Says About Coffee, Bone Health, and Growth

1. Calcium Absorption and Caffeine

Early concerns focused on caffeine’s mild impact on calcium.

Caffeine slightly increases urinary calcium excretion, but the effect is very small:

• About 4–6 mg of calcium loss per 100 mg of caffeine consumed.
  

• This is easily offset by adding one tablespoon of milk to your coffee or ensuring adequate daily calcium intake.
  

CQI’s 2022 Nutrition and Coffee Report concludes:
"Caffeine’s impact on calcium balance is negligible when calcium intake meets daily recommended levels."

2. Growth Factors Are Genetically and Nutritionally Driven

Height is primarily determined by:

• Genetics
  

• Overall nutrition
  

• Hormonal balance (growth hormone, thyroid hormones, etc.)
  

Coffee has no meaningful effect on:

• Growth plate development
  

• Bone lengthening
  

• Hormonal stimulation or suppression related to height
  

 

3. Bone Mineral Density and Long-Term Coffee Consumption

Large-scale studies on adults show:

• Moderate coffee consumption (up to 3–4 cups per day) is not associated with osteoporosis or poor bone mineral density.
  

• Some studies even suggest benefits in bone health due to coffee’s antioxidant properties.
  

How Much Coffee Is Safe for Young People?

While coffee doesn’t stunt growth, caffeine guidelines for children and teenagers are recommended.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests:

• Children under 12: Avoid caffeine.
  

• Teens (12–18 years): Limit caffeine intake to ~100 mg per day (roughly one small cup of coffee).
  

Bazan Tip:
Encourage teenagers to enjoy milder coffee brews and limit highly caffeinated energy drinks.

FAQs: Coffee, Caffeine, and Growth — Common Questions Answered

If coffee doesn't stunt growth, why was it believed for so long?

• Early misunderstandings about bone health
  

• Conservative medical advice based on precaution
  

• Marketing strategies by milk companies promoting dairy over coffee
  

Does decaf coffee have the same concerns?

No real concerns.
Decaffeinated coffee contains minimal caffeine and poses no issues for growth or calcium balance.

Can adding milk to coffee help with bone health?

Yes!
Adding milk:

• Boosts calcium intake
  

• Offsets minor calcium excretion effects
  

• Enhances flavor and texture
  

Pairing Bazan’s Special Vietnam Blend with milk creates a smooth, satisfying coffee experience for all ages.

What about cold brew? Is it better for young coffee drinkers?

Cold brew:

• Has lower acidity
  

• Often smoother taste
  

• Similar caffeine content per ounce (depending on concentration)
  

For teenagers or sensitive individuals, diluted cold brew (like Bazan’s Cau Dat Arabica Cold Brew) is a gentler option.

Smart Coffee Habits for Every Stage of Life

 

Why Bazan Coffee Is a Smart, Safe Choice for All Coffee Lovers

At Bazan Coffee, we prioritize:

• Specialty-grade beans free from contaminants
  

• Balanced roasting profiles preserving antioxidants
  

• Clean, natural processing methods for health-conscious brewing
  

Our Cau Dat Arabica, Special Vietnam Blend, and Fine Robusta – Krong Năng offer vibrant flavors, natural nutrition, and peace of mind at every sip—no myths required.

Can Coffee Stunt Your Growth? Absolutely Not

So, can coffee stunt your growth?
No—modern science confirms that coffee does not impact height or bone development.

Moderate coffee consumption:

• Is safe for most teenagers and adults
  

• Has negligible effects on calcium balance
  

• Can even offer antioxidant benefits to bone health
  

At Bazan Coffee, we celebrate coffee not just as a drink, but as a joyful, nourishing part of daily life—free from outdated fears and full of better understanding.

Brew boldly. Sip confidently. Grow fully—with Bazan.

Choose Smarter Brews. Celebrate Stronger Growth with Bazan Coffee.

Explore Bazan’s growth-friendly, flavor-rich options:

• Cau Dat Arabica — Smooth, bright flavor perfect for young coffee lovers.
  

• Special Vietnam Blend — Balanced body for maturing coffee palates.
  

• Fine Robusta - Krong Năng — Bold energy when you’re ready to take on the world.
  

Brew smarter. Sip stronger. Grow naturally—with Bazan Coffee.