I love coffee but people tell me that it stunts your growth. Is that true? – Tara* No, coffee doesn't stunt a person's growth. How tall you are mostly depends on your genes . Good nutrition is also important to reach your maximum height potential. But coffee does contain caffeine. 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're also getting caffeine from other sources, like soda or energy drinks — you may want to cut back. That's because high doses of caffeine can cause restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, headaches, and insomnia. Caffeine can cause problems for people who have heart problems or are taking some kinds of medicines. It's best to ask your doctor if you should stop or cut back on drinking coffee. If you decide to, do so gradually. Stopping suddenly can cause unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, irritability, and tiredness. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles What's a Healthy Alternative to Water? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Caffeine Caffeine has probably helped you through long nights of studying or filling out college applications. But how much do you know about caffeine and its side effects? Read More Migraine Headaches If you've ever had a migraine, you know that these headaches can cause severe pain and other symptoms. Read about migraine causes, treatments, prevention tips, and lots more. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.