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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting section (baby, pregnancy, family)
In a recent interview during the American talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show, actress Kristen Bell confided that her two daughters, aged 8 and 11, drink non-alcoholic beer. Is this consumption risky for the health of children? Doctissimo takes stock with Dr William Lowenstein, internist, addictologist and President of SOS Addictions.
Invited on the set of the famous talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show, the American actress Kristen Bell confided, among other things, in her family life. In particular, she revealed that her daughters, Lincoln Bell Shepard and Delta Bell Shepard, aged 8 and 11, occasionally drink non-alcoholic beer. A statement that did not go unnoticed since she added: “You can judge me if you want, that’s your problem.”
Do non-alcoholic beers contain alcohol?
The term “alcohol-free” can be misleading. Moreover, one can read on the site of the French Government legifrance: “The name “alcohol-free beer” is reserved for beer which has an acquired alcoholic strength less than or equal to 1.2 p. 100 in volume, following dealcoholization or the start of fermentation.” Thus, some “non-alcoholic” beers may contain a small amount of alcohol. Even a small amount can be dangerous for children’s health. The website of the Belgian poison control center informs that “Alcohol is dangerous for children. A blood alcohol level well tolerated by an adult can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and convulsions (epileptic seizure) in children.”
A “non-alcoholic” drink, a watered-down image of alcohol consumption?
If the fact of consuming non-alcoholic beers can cause health problems in the youngest, the problem also lies in the fact that the child can have a watered down view of alcohol consumption. “As a reminder, chocolate cigarettes were banned in this spirit of prevention and not to encourage ‘when you grow up you will smoke real cigarettes’… The same need for protective anticipation must be taken into account regarding the consumption of beer and other “alcohol-free” drinks”, clarifies Dr. William Lowenstein, internist, addictologist and President of SOS Addictions.
In summary, whether at home, outing or at a party, it is better to offer a glass of fruit juice or soda to the children so that they participate in the festivities. We therefore prohibit beers and other ‘non-alcoholic’ drinks. Similarly, it is strongly advised to refuse to allow a child to dip their lips in a glass of alcohol, be it wine, cider or any other alcoholic beverage. At home, it is best to lock up bottles of alcohol to avoid accidents.