Milk Tea Consumption and Short-Term Heart Rate Variability in College Students

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the association between the frequency of milk tea consumption and HRV among college students. Methods: A total of 313 healthy college students (124 males and 189 females) participated in this cross-sectional study. The frequency of milk tea consumption was assessed using a questionnaire, and the participants were divided into three groups: <1 drink/month, 1-3 drinks/month, and >4 drinks/month. The 5-minute electrocardiogram signals of all subjects were collected in the sitting state and analysed for the HRV frequency domain parameters (VLF, LF, HF, TP, LF/HF) Results For male college students, some HRV frequency domain parameters were significantly different among the groups (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, body mass index, and mean heart rate, the VLF, HF, and TP for male college students in the >4 drinks/month group were still significantly higher than those for male college students in the <1 drink/month group. The LF/HF in the <1 drink/month group was still significantly higher than that in the 1-3 drinks/month group. There was no significant difference in any HRV frequency domain parameter among female college students (P > 0.05) Conclusions The male students who consume more milk tea have higher HRV and female college students with different frequencies of milk tea consumption have no significant difference in HRV. There may be sex differences in the effect of milk tea consumption on HRV among college students.