Abstract

*Dr. Andrew P. Smith PhD

ABSTRACT

Background: The effects of caffeine on health have been frequently reviewed. However, much of the research focuses on specific topics such as cardiovascular disease. There is a need to consider other common diseases that may not be life-threatening but significantly impact the individual and health services. This topic was examined here by considering digestive, respiratory, and musculoskeletal disorders. Depression was also investigated as lower levels are associated with the consumption of caffeine. Methods: Secondary analyses of epidemiological data are reported in this paper. A representative sample of 6486 UK adults (58.0% being in paid employment; 54.4 % female 18.5% single; 65% married or cohabiting, and 15.2% divorced or widowed) completed a survey including questions on illnesses in the last year and caffeine consumption. Results: Initial cross-tabulations showed that caffeine consumption was not associated with digestive, respiratory or musculoskeletal diseases. Caffeine consumers were less likely to report depression in the last year. Conclusion: These results show no adverse effects of caffeine consumption on digestive, respiratory or musculoskeletal outcomes. Consumption of caffeine was associated with a lower incidence of depression, and this remained significant when demographic and lifestyle factors were statistically controlled.