Development of a tool to assess the caffeine intake among teenagers and young adults

Peer-reviewed | Manuscript received: October 14, 2013 | Revision accepted: December 17, 2013

Introduction

Many foods and beverages contain caffeine. Caffeine is consumed because it may stimulate the central nervous system, which contributes to an increased alertness and attention. Sensitive adults and children in particular may suffer from various side effects due to caffeine, e.g., restlessness, dizziness, heart and pulse palpitation, vomiting and sleep disturbances [1, 2].

Currently, the following recommendations for caffeine intake are communicated in Germany: For adults there is no objection to moderate consumption of no more than 350 mg caffeine/day [3]. Pregnant women should not consume more than 300 mg of caffeine/day [1, 4]. Caffeinated beverages should be completely avoided in a child’s diet [5]. Recommandations on acceptable levels for adolescents are not provided. Health Canada has recommended a maximum caffeine intake level of 2.5 mg/kg of body weight/day for children aged up to 12 years [6].

Summary

For the first time, a tool (questionnaire with calculation programme) to assess the caffeine intake among adolescents and young adults has been developed and validated. It has proved to be applicable in surveys of more than 200 students. The average workday caffeine intake was between 105 mg and 130 mg. Coffee was the major source.

Keywords: caffeine, caffeine intake, energy drinks, survey tool, coffee beverages

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