Pattern of Caffeine Consumption Among University Students

Background & Objective(s): There has been a sharp increase in caffeine consumption among the Arab youth. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of caffeine consumption among Alexandria University students, to assess their caffeine daily intake, to estimate the proportion of caffeine withdrawal and intoxication among caffeine consumers and to investigate the relationship between caffeine intake with body composition, blood pressure, and caffeine withdrawal and intoxication. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 400 students from faculties of Alexandria University were included in the study. Data were collected using a predesigned structured interviewing questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure measurement. The daily dietary intake of caffeine in mg /kg body weight/day was estimated for each subject and compared to the safe levels set by the EFSA. Results: Almost all students consumed caffeinated drinks, with Cola drinks ranking 1st . About 12% had caffeine withdrawal, 0.5% suffered from caffeine intoxication and 65.3% exceeded the safe level set by the EFSA. The association between the level of caffeine consumption and the anthropometric measures was not significant, while the association between the level of caffeine consumption and blood pressure was significant. Conclusion: The consumption of caffeine containing drinks among Alexandria University students was very high and exceeded the safe levels, which calls for campaigns to increase their awareness about the impact of high consumption of caffeine containing food and beverages on their health.