Premium
Caffeine consumption in active duty US Army personnel
Author(s) -
Lieberman Harris R.,
Stavinoha Trisha B.,
McGraw Susan M.,
White Alan,
Hadden Louise S.,
Marriott Bernadette P.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.350.8
Subject(s) - caffeine , active duty , medicine , cola (plant) , environmental health , demography , population , consumption (sociology) , toxicology , military personnel , endocrinology , biology , political science , law , social science , sociology
Concern regarding excessive caffeine intake from energy drinks, especially by young males, has arisen in the scientific literature and lay press. Caffeine consumption and demographic characteristics were surveyed in 990 Soldiers in the US and abroad in 2007–8 using a detailed questionnaire. Data were weighted to be representative of the active‐duty Army population which is predominantly male and young. Eighty‐two percent of Soldiers consumed caffeine at least once a week from beverages, gum or medication. Mean caffeine intake was 285 mg/d with males consuming more than females (303 mg/d vs. 163 mg/d). Among users only, consumption was 347 mg/d (365/d males and 216/d females). Coffee was the largest source of caffeine intake followed by energy drinks, cola, and other sodas. Regression modeling indicated male sex, white race, and tobacco use (all p<0.01) were associated with higher caffeine intake. Energy drinks were frequently used by young male Soldiers but their caffeine intake was lower than older males. Soldier caffeine intake appears greater than that of civilians, perhaps reflecting the occupational demands associated with this profession. Support: US Army Medical Research & Materiel Command.