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Caffeine use among active duty US Army soldiers
Harris R Lieberman1, Trisha Stavinoha, Susan McGraw
1Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760, USA. harris.lieberman@us.army.mil
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
|June 20, 2012
Summary
Most US soldiers consume caffeine regularly, with coffee being the primary source. While generally safe, some soldiers exceed recommended intake levels, highlighting a need for clearer product labeling regarding caffeine content.
Area of Science:
- Military Health
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Caffeine consumption is widespread in the US adult population, yet detailed usage patterns remain under-researched.
- New caffeine products are increasingly available, including on military bases, for cognitive enhancement.
- Caffeine's health implications are a frequent topic in scientific and public discourse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey caffeine consumption and associated demographic factors among US Army soldiers.
- To estimate total caffeine intake and identify primary sources of consumption within this population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 990 US Army soldiers, with data weighted for age, sex, rank, and Special Forces status.
- Caffeine intake was quantified from all products and specific sources.
- Logistic regression analysis explored correlations between caffeine use and soldier characteristics.
Main Results:
- Eighty-two percent of soldiers consumed caffeine weekly, with a mean daily intake of 285 mg.
- Male soldiers consumed significantly more caffeine (303 mg/day) than females (163 mg/day).
- Coffee was the main caffeine source; energy drinks were significant among young males. Higher intake correlated with male sex, white race, and tobacco use.
Conclusions:
- While most soldiers consume caffeine within generally accepted safe limits, some exceed these levels.
- The lack of definitive safe upper intake limits for caffeine poses a challenge.
- Product labeling with accurate caffeine content is crucial for informed consumer choices among soldiers.
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