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Food Sources and Intakes of Caffeine in the Diets of Americans
Associations between caffeine consumption and adverse effects on the
central nervous system, cardiovascular system, pregnancy outcomes, and bone mineral health have been found. Conversely caffeine consumption has been shown to increase alertness and memory. Caffeine has also gained recognition as an ergogenic aid (improves athletic performance). The 1994-96 and 1998 USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) provided the data to identify food sources and intakes of caffeine for people who provided two full days of dietary intake. 18,081 diaries were analyzed, and 15,716 had caffeine sources on them. For the total sample, coffee, and regular soft drinks contributed the largest amounts of caffeine (39% and 25% respectively). Coffee was the major source of caffeine for adults, and soft drinks the source for ages 2-17. The average intake for the entire group was 176 mg, and the Males ages 35-54 had the highest average consumption of 319 mg. Currently there are no standard recommendations for caffeine intake and it is not quantified on nutrition food labels.
Abstract Authors- Frary MS,RD, and Johnson PhD, RD
Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Vermont
Journal of the Am. Dietetic Assoc. A-77, Sept 2002, Supp. Vol 102, No.9
Stay tuned for next month’s list of caffeine sources!!! It’s SCARY.
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