Estudo preliminar do consumo de cafeína: correlação futura com níveis de atividade física em escolares

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the consumption of foods that are a source of caffeine (CAF), their frequency of consumption and the portions, to estimate the average daily consumption of CAF between genders, in adolescent schoolchildren from Alagoas. Methodology: Cross-sectional, descriptive study, with a sample selected for convenience, conducted with 349 adolescents of both genders, between 11 and 18 years old, from different school shifts (boys n=228, age 16.3 ± 1.3 years; girls n=121 , age 15.9 ± 1.1 years) and located in the cities of Arapiraca and Maceió participated in the research. A questionnaire on the frequency of consumption of foods source of CAF was applied and, based on this, the consumption of CAF in mg was quantified and the frequency and portions of consumption of different foods source of CAF were analyzed. Results: There were no differences in the consumption of CAF in mg between genders (p > 0.05). However, a consumption of CAF was shown, mainly through chocolate, followed by soft drinks and that the preference for this consumption is given by women. Conclusion: The consumption of CAF was not different between genders in adolescent schoolchildren in Alagoas, however, the consumption of this substance is very variable, with some consuming low amounts, but some extrapolating recommended limit values for their age group. In addition, chocolate is the most preferred food for teenagers, especially women, followed by soft drinks and both are easily accessible for consumption.