Caffeine in the Diet: Country-Level Consumption and Guidelines

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Caffeine-containing beverages (CCB) like coffee, tea, and soda are common dietary components.
• Growing awareness of caffeine's health impacts influences dietary recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how caffeine and CCB are addressed in global food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG).
• To identify common themes and consumption patterns related to CCB across different regions.

Main Methods:

• Reviewed 90 countries' FBDG from the Food and Agriculture Organization.
• Analyzed CCB consumption data (volume sales) for 56 countries.
• Identified key themes within FBDG concerning CCB.

Main Results:

• 81 out of 90 FBDG mention caffeine or CCB.
• Regional preferences for CCB vary: tea/soda in Africa/Asia, coffee/soda in Europe/Americas.
• FBDG frequently highlight risks (sugar, diuretic effects, nutrient inhibition) over potential benefits.

Conclusions:

• FBDG generally present an unfavorable view of CCB, focusing on risks, especially for vulnerable groups.
• There is a need for FBDG to incorporate recent evidence supporting potential health benefits of certain CCB.
• Dietary guidelines require a more balanced perspective on CCB, considering both risks and benefits.