Recognition of health risks of caffeine intake and consumption of caffeine-containing beverages

Abstract

Caffeine is one of the food components found in coffee beans, tea leaves including yerba mate, and cocoa. In recent years, due in part to the widespread use of energy drinks, the number of opportunities for young people to consume caffeine-containing foods and beverages has increased dramatically. On the other hand, health problems caused by excessive caffeine intake have been discussed. In order to clarify the problem of caffeine intake, this study investigated the perception of health risks of caffeine-containing beverages among university students and their actual consumption in daily life. Although university students consume caffeine-containing beverages on a daily basis, their awareness of caffeine and their awareness of the need for caution when consuming caffeine were considered to be low. The survey on beverage consumption showed that a certain number of university students have problems with the way and amount of caffeine-containing beverages they consume. There is a great possibility that the amount of caffeine intake from beverages will continue to increase in the future, including the expansion of the energy drink market. It is a challenge to disseminate information about the health risks of caffeine in the future. In addition, it is necessary to educate university students about caffeine addiction and to prevent drug abuse by providing them with information and knowledge about caffeine-containing foods.