Abstract
Objectives
Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the world and sociodemographic factors including occupation are associated with its intake. Non-standard work schedules are required in various occupations, and it is difficult to adapt to them. Shift work is associated with poor sleep, inadequate diet and numerous adverse health effects. We assessed whether caffeine intake differs in individuals working various shifts since it is assumed shift workers use more caffeine to cope with fatigue and disrupted circadian rhythms.
Methods
The 24-h dietary recall data collected in NHANES 2005–2010 datasets (employed adults age 19–70 years, n = 8500) were used to estimate individual usual caffeine intake from caffeine-containing foods and beverages. Daily patterns of work were self-reported as: regular daytime shift; evening shift; night shift; rotating shift; or “other”. Regression analyses assessed associations of shift work with caffeine intake after adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, work hours, energy intake, and alcohol intake, all known to be associated with caffeine intake.
Results
Approximately 73.5% of employed adults were day shift workers and 26.5% were non-day shift workers. Day shift workers were more likely to be non-Hispanic white and of higher economic status compared to other shift workers. Mean 24-hour caffeine intake of day shift workers (204 ± 5 mg) was similar (P > 0.2) to that of evening, night, and rotating shift workers (209 ± 23, 184 ± 18, and 199 ± 15 mg, respectively). Regardless of work schedule, individuals consumed the most caffeine during morning hours. Evening and night shift workers consumed less caffeine during their work hours (76.8 ± 8.8 and 98.4 ± 18.5 mg, respectively) and more during non-work hours (131 ± 24 and 84.9 ± 9.5 mg, respectively) compared to day shift workers (157 ± 4 and 49.7 ± 3.4 mg during work hours and non-work hours, respectively; P < 0.01 for both).
Conclusions
Unexpectedly, daily caffeine intake was similar across different types of shift workers after adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, smoking, economic status and other factors.
Opinions or assertions contained herein are private views of the authors and not to be construed as official or reflecting views of the Army or DoD.
Funding Sources
DMRP/MRMC.