[Traditional dietary sources of caffeine in Russia: quantitative assessment and socio-demographic determinants]

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Despite established international guidelines for safe intake, assessing dietary caffeine intake remains relevant due to the expanding range of caffeine-containing products on the market. The objective of the study was to assess the structure of consumption of caffeine-containing foods and beverages and the associated levels of potential caffe ine intake in the adult population of the Russian Federation, taking into account socio-demographic differences.

A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the 2023 round of the Russian Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) dietary survey. Dietary intake was assessed using the 24-hour recall method. The sample included 72,710 respondents aged 18 years and older, stratified by sex, age, and type of settlement. Potential caffeine intake from the main sources (tea, coffee, non-alcoholic energy drinks, cola-type beverages, and dark chocolate) was estimated based on the literature data of average caffeine content [all types of tea combined - 25 mg/100 mL; all types of coffee combined - 40 mg/100 mL; energy drinks - 28 mg/100 mL; cola-type beverages - 12 mg/100 mL; dark chocolate - 80 mg/100 g], along with median consumption values calculated among individuals who reported consuming these products on the day preceding the survey.

Statistically significant differences in the consumption of major caffeine sources were observed across sex, age, and settlement groups. Men demonstrated higher consumption of tea, coffee, and soft drinks (p<0.001). The highest per capita coffee consumption was observed among individuals aged 30-44 years (198 mL/day). Territorial differences were identified: rural residents consumed more tea (509 vs 452 mL/day in urban population, p<0.001) and less coffee (118 vs 154 mL/day, p<0.001). Total potential caffeine intake reached 372 mg/day in groups consuming multiple sources. The most common consumption pattern was the combination of "tea + coffee," observed in 27,744 respondents, with a median total caffeine intake of 200 mg/day. Gender differences in consumption patterns and amounts were consistent with findings from international studies. A specific feature of the Russian population was identified: unlike European countries, where coffee is the dominant source of caffeine, a significant share of caffeine intake in Russia comes from tea, particularly in rural regions.

This study revealed substantial differences in the consumption of caffeine source products across socio-demographic groups within the Russian population. Tea and coffee remain the key sources of caffeine for Russians, while the proportion of the population consuming non-alcoholic energy drinks remains negligible.