Average intakes and sources of caffeine in U.S. children and adolescents ages 2-17 years: NHANES 2009-2010

The specific aim of this study is to examine total caffeine intake in United States (U.S.) children and adolescents and to identify major sources of caffeine in children ages 2-17 years utilizing data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 2009-2010. A total of 2,008 participants were identified. Descriptive statistics identify central tendencies, and t-tests compared total intake to Canadian recommendations. Results indicate a mean intake of caffeine for all age groups sampled of 37.28 mg caffeine/day or 0.8 mg/kg body weight/day. Toddlers have the lowest mean intake, 9.81 mg/day, and male adolescents the highest mean intake of 77.84 mg/day or 1.13 mg/kg body weight/day. Average caffeine intake for all participants was highest from soft drinks (16.13 mg/day), and tea (11.22 mg/day), with flavored dairy, sweetened grains and sweets contributing least to total caffeine intake (1.86 mg/day, 1.92 mg/day, and 0.93 mg/day, respectively).