Caffeine Consumption in Switzerland: Results from the First National Nutrition Survey MenuCH.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional national survey analysis based on dietary recalls.
PubMed 31877632 · doi:10.3390/nu12010028
What was done
Researchers evaluated data from the 2014–2015 Swiss national nutrition survey (menuCH), including 2,057 adults aged 18 to 75 years (weighted n = 4,627,878). Dietary intake was collected using two 24-hour dietary recalls. Caffeine content of consumed foods was determined using laboratory testing of Swiss beverages, food composition databases, and standardized recipe estimations to assess total intake, dietary sources, and daily timing.
What was found
Mean daily caffeine intake was 191 ± 129 mg/day, with a 95th percentile intake of 426 mg/day. Intake was lower in younger adults aged 18–34 (140 mg/day) compared to adults aged 50–64 (228 mg/day), and varied by linguistic region: German-speaking (204 mg/day), French-speaking (170 mg/day), and Italian-speaking (136 mg/day). Current smokers consumed more caffeine than never smokers (228 vs. 171 mg/day). The primary sources were coffee (83%), tea (9%), and soft drinks (4%), with peak intake occurring between 06:00 and 09:00 (29% of daily consumption).
Why it matters
This study provides the first population-level baseline data on caffeine consumption patterns, sources, and temporal distribution across different demographic and linguistic subgroups in Switzerland.
Limits
The study relies on self-reported 24-hour dietary recalls, which are subject to recall bias and underreporting. In addition, the cross-sectional design cannot measure longitudinal changes in individual caffeine intake or directly evaluate health outcomes.
Cited by
- contradicts Switzerland has the highest per capita caffeine intake in the world.