In response to “Trends in Caffeine Intake Among US Children and Adolescents,” a study published today by The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Beverage Association consultant Dr. Richard Adamson, former director of the Division of Cancer Etiology and scientific director, National Cancer Institute, issued the following statement:

Statement:

“This study shows that children and adolescents consume less caffeine than they have in previous years. In fact, the most recent data demonstrates virtually no caffeine consumption from energy drinks among children under 12 and extremely low consumption for adolescents aged 12 to 18. Furthermore, findings from this study reaffirm that overall, consumption of caffeine from soft drinks by this group also has decreased.”

Additional Background:

On Study:

This study highlights that overall caffeine intake of children has not increased in recent years. This study’s findings are consistent with an analysis commissioned by FDA and updated in 2012, as well as a published ILSI survey of more than 37,000 people which shows that caffeine consumption in the U.S. has remained stable during the most recent period analyzed, while coffee remains the primary source of caffeine in most age groups. In science, it is generally accepted that children are those under 12 years of age and adolescents are 12-18.  However, this study also included college-age young adults (19 to 22-year-olds).

On Caffeine:

Caffeine has been safely consumed, in a variety of foods and beverages, around the world for hundreds of years. A vast body of available and reliable science supports the safety of caffeine, including at the levels found in mainstream energy drinks.

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.  For more information on ABA, please visit the association’s Web site at www.ameribev.org or call the ABA communications team at (202) 463-6770.

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