Assessment of the levels of caffeine consumption among Saudi Arabian university students

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the caffeine consumption of Saudi Arabian undergraduate students and to determine if the average amount consumed is within healthful parameters. Caffeine consumption in Saudi Arabia is a major cultural and social feature. Consumption of excessive amounts of caffeine can be deleterious to the health of university students. This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 145 male undergraduate nursing students were surveyed using the Caffeine Consumption Questionnaire to assess their caffeine intake on a typical day. Among this group, 34.5% of students exceeded the 400mg daily safe levels for caffeine consumption. The average consumption of the total group, those consuming below 400mg and those exceeding 400mg were 325.1, 201.2, and 570.1 mg, respectively. Tea and coffee were the major contributors to total caffeine intake ranging from 0-8 (240ml) servings per day. Health promotion aimed at illuminating health risks of caffeine consumption exceeding safe limits may assist in modification of intake to more healthful levels.