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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ying Ye, University of Illinois at Chicago, 5 Groton Court, Lincolnshire, IL 60069, 8474781720, yingye2@uic.edu and Alan R. Hirsch, MD, Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, 845 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 990W, Chicago, IL 60611.

Use of caffeinated cola by children is ubiquitous in our society. The potential psychological effects of this include DSM-IV caffeine induced anxiety and sleeping disorders, and withdrawal symptoms. Manufactures continue to add caffeine to cola and target young children for marketing despite that the effects of caffeinated cola in this age group have not been explored. In a double-blinded fashion, twenty-first graders (ten of each gender) were presented with caffeine free cola and caffeinated cola for ad lib consumption in three-hour epochs sequentially over two weeks. Average consumption of caffeine free cola and of caffeinated cola was 7.55 oz (2 to 12) and 9.45 oz (2 to 12), respectively. After completion of each session, teachers rated each student with a six question modified Connors test. The modified Connors score was an average of 5.45 points higher for caffeine than for caffeine-free cola. (p= 0.0017, 2-tailed t-test) In response to caffeine intake, 60% (12) students' scores increased compared to 12% (3) whose scores decreased (p=0.0079). Even after adjusting for number of ounces, there is still a significant increase in the Connor score comparing caffeine to caffeine-free soda. (t= 2.69, p= 0.0151) First graders manifested behavioral problems when presented with caffeinated cola, suggesting that consumption of this should be minimized.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize effects of caffeinated cola consumption on young children.
• Articulate the need to minimize use of caffeine in consumer products.
• Evaluate the impact of caffeine use in society.

Keywords: Children, Food and Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No