Caffeine intake from food and beverage sources and trends among children and adolescents in the United States: review of national quantitative studies from 1999 to 2011

Abstract

There is increasing concern about potential adverse effects of caffeine in children. Our understanding of caffeine intake relies on studies dating to the late 1990s. This article synthesizes information from national studies since then to describe caffeine consumption, its association with sociodemographic factors, key dietary sources including caffeine-containing energy drinks (CCEDs), and trends in caffeine intake and sources among US children. Findings from the Kanter Worldpanel (KWP) Beverage Consumption Panel and the NHANES showed that caffeine consumption prevalence was generally consistent across studies and over time; more than one-half of 2- to 5-y-olds and ∼75% of older children (>5 y) consumed caffeine. The usual intakes of caffeine were 25 and 50 mg/d for children and adolescents aged 2-11 and 12-17 y, respectively (NHANES 2007-2010). Caffeine consumption correlated with age and was higher in non-Hispanic white children. The key sources of caffeine were soda and tea as well as flavored dairy (for children aged <12 y) and coffee (for those aged ≥12 y). The frequency of CCED use varied (2-30%) depending on study setting, methods, and demographic characteristics. A statistically significant but small decline in caffeine intake was noted in children overall during the 10- to 12-y period examined; intakes remained stable among older children (≥12 y). A significant increasing trend in CCED and coffee consumption and a decline in soda intake were noted (1999-2010). In 2009-2010, 10% of 12- to 19-y-olds and 10-25% of caffeine consumers (aged 12-19 y) had intakes exceeding Canadian maximal guidelines. Continued monitoring can help better understand changes in caffeine consumption patterns of youth.

Keywords: adolescents; caffeine intake; children; dietary sources; trends.

FIGURE 1

Percentage of contribution of the What We Eat in America–based food and beverage categories to caffeine intake by age group: findings from analysis of NHANES 2009–2010 data (43). Values are based on data from n = 861, 1154, and 1265 children aged 2–5, 6–11, and 12–19 y, respectively.

FIGURE 2

Trends over time in caffeine intake in relation to body weight (mg/kg) on a given day in US children aged 2–19 y: findings from NHANES 2001–2010 (30). Trends are shown for all children aged 2–19 y (n = 18,271) and by ages, as follows: 2–5 y (n = 4095), 6–11 y (n = 5288), and 12–19 y (n = 8888). P-linear trend < 0.05 by t statistics for children aged 2–19 y; NS for specific age groups (P ≥ 0.05).