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Caffeine intakes of children from a biracial population: the Bogalusa Heart Study
M L Arbeit1, T A Nicklas, G C Frank
1National Research and Demonstration Center Arteriosclerosis, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans.
Insights
White children consume more caffeine than Black children from age 1 to 17. Peak caffeine consumption occurs at ages 2, 3, 13, and 17, with carbonated beverages, chocolate, and tea being primary sources.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Dietary Habits
- Public Health
Background:
- Caffeine intake in children is not well-documented.
- Understanding early-life caffeine consumption is crucial for long-term health.
- Dietary patterns are established in early childhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate caffeine intake patterns in a biracial sample of infants and children.
- To identify trends and sources of caffeine consumption from infancy through adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 24-hour dietary recalls from 1,284 children aged 6 months to 17 years.
- Collected data at multiple time points: 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4, 13, 15, and 17 years.
- Included additional cohorts to assess temporal trends in caffeine intake.
Main Results:
- White children consumed significantly more caffeine than Black children from age 1 to 17.
- Peak caffeine consumption periods were identified at ages 2, 3, 13, and 17 years.
- Regular carbonated beverages, chocolate, and tea were the most frequent caffeine sources.
Conclusions:
- Caffeine intake begins early in life and shows racial and age-related differences.
- Snacks are a significant contributor to children's caffeine intake.
- Consistent caffeine intake levels were observed in 10-year-olds over a decade.
Abstract:
To investigate caffeine intake patterns in children, dietary intakes were examined for a biracial sample of 1,284 infants and children. Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls were completed by parents of children aged 6 months and repeated at ages 1, 2, 3, and 4 years; children 10 years old served as their own respondents and were surveyed at ages 13, 15, and 17 years. The sample was 60% white and 40% black. Additional cohorts of 10-year-olds (no. = 686) were studied for temporal trend. Whites consumed significantly more caffeine than blacks as early as 1 year and persisted at a higher intake level from 2 to 17 years. This trend continued whether intake was measured in total milligrams, milligrams per 1,000 kcal, or milligrams per kilogram body weight. Significant sex differences in caffeine intakes per 1,000 kcal occurred among 15- and 17-year-olds (girls greater than boys). Peak periods of consumption occurred at ages 2, 3, 13, and 17. Snacks contributed large quantities of caffeine, particularly for 10-year-olds. Most frequent sources of caffeine were regular carbonated beverages, chocolate-containing foods, and tea. Mean intakes of caffeine for 10-year-olds were consistent from 1973 to 1982. Those observations document caffeine intakes beginning early in life.