Caffeine Consumption Habits of New Zealand Tertiary Students.

Adverse effects associated with excessive caffeine consumption combined with increasing numbers and availability of caffeine-containing products are causes for concern. Tertiary students may be at increased risk of consuming excessive amounts of caffeine due to seeking caffeinated products with well-known wakefulness effects and cognitive benefits. This study explored caffeine consumption habits of New Zealand tertiary students (317; ≥16-years) using a previously validated caffeine consumption habits (CaffCo) questionnaire. Most (99.1%) regularly consumed caffeinated products, especially chocolate, coffee and tea, with coffee, tea and energy drinks contributing most to total caffeine intake. Median estimated caffeine intake was 146.73 mg·day, or 2.25 mg·kgbw·day. Maximum and minimum intakes were 1988.14 mg·day (23.51 mg·kgbw·day) and 0.07 mg·day (0.02 mg·kgbw·day), respectively. One-third (34.4%) of caffeine consumers ingested caffeine above the adverse effect level (3 mg·kgbw·day) and 14.3% above the safe limit (400 mg·day). Most caffeine consumers (84.7%), reported experiencing at least one 'adverse symptom' post-caffeine consumption, of which 25.7% reported effects leading to distress or negatively impacting their life. Experiencing 'adverse symptoms' did not, however, curtail consumption in the majority of symptomatic participants (~77%). Public health initiatives directed at tertiary students may be important to reduce potential caffeine-related harm.