Beverage caffeine intakes in young children in Canada and the US.
OBJECTIVE
Throughout childhood there is a shift from predominantly milk-based beverage consumption to other types of beverages, including those containing caffeine. Although a variety of health effects in children and adults have been attributed to caffeine, few data exist on caffeine intake in children aged one to five years.


METHODS
Because beverages provide about 80% of total caffeine consumed in children of this age group, beverage consumption patterns and caffeine intakes were evaluated from two beverage marketing surveys: the 2001 Canadian Facts study and the 1999 United States Share of Intake Panel study.


RESULTS
Considerably fewer Canadian children than American children consume caffeinated beverages (36% versus 56%); Canadian children consume approximately half the amount of caffeine (7 versus 14 mg/day in American children). Differences were largely because of higher intakes of carbonated soft drinks in the US.


CONCLUSIONS
Caffeine intakes from caffeinated beverages remain well within safe levels for consumption by young children.
Knight
Carol A
CA
Knight International, Chicago, IL, USA.
Knight
Ian
I
Mitchell
Diane C
DC
D001628:Beverages / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis*; D002170:Canada; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000032:analysis; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003069:Coffee / Q000737:chemistry; D004034:Diet Surveys; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D013662:Tea / Q000737:chemistry; D014481:United States
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003069:Coffee; D013662:Tea; D002110:Caffeine