ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HIGH CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION AND LOWERED RENAL FUNCTION AMONG NORMENSIVE ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the association of caffeine intake with renal function among adults between ages 18-55. Participants of the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) survey for the three consecutive years (2013-2014, 2015-2016, and 2017-2018) were used. A weighted multivariable linear regression analysis of the caffeine concentration was conducted. Greater intake was associated with lowered renal function. This association persisted when limiting the daily caffeine intake to 2000 mg/day or less. Among younger adults, ages 18 to 39 the beta coefficient was about 50 percent larger than the beta coefficient for individuals ages 40 to 55. This suggests that caffeine intake may have a greater impact on renal function among younger adults. While greater caffeine intake was associated with reduced renal function in this cross-sectional study, further investigation such as an experimental study should be performed to confirm the findings of this thesis.