Pure juice does not increase weight

Drinking pure fruit juice in moderation provides essential nutrients and may actually help children maintain a healthy weight. Hundred percent juice consumption is a valuable contributor of nutrients in children's diet, and contrary to popular belief, does not make young children overweight or at risk for becoming overweight. Previous research findings have led to continued debate over the potential associations between drinking 100 percent fruit juice, nutrient intake, and overweight in children. American researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston analysed the juice consumption of 3,618 children, ages 2 to 11, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The average daily consumption of pure fruit juice in the study population was 4 ounces (about half a cup), an amount in line with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. And while there were a few children (13 percent) who consumed larger amounts of juice (12 ounces or more), their increased intake was not associated with overweight or at risk for being overweight. In fact, children in the 2 to 3-year-old category who drank the most juice were nearly three times less likely to be overweight or at risk for overweight than children who drank no juice at all. Analysing the weight of the evidence, there are 7 studies plus the current one that shows no association between 100 percent juice and overweight among children. Even among the children who consumed the most juice, there was no association with the children being overweight or at risk for overweight. The results also indicate that juice consumption is not excessive among 2- to 11-year-olds. In fact, 57 percent of the children did not consume 100 percent juice at all, which is much higher than expected. It was also found that children who drank any amount of 100 percent juice ate less total fat, saturated fat, sodium, added sugars and added fats. Pure juice drinkers also had higher intakes of a number of key nutrients including vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, folate, vitamin B6 and iron. They also ate more whole fruits, like apples. The researchers encourage parents who are concerned about their child being overweight to look beyond their juice consumption. They should look at the total number of calories that the child is taking in and look at where the bulk of those calories are coming from. It is equally important to look at the activity level of the child.