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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #342678
Title: Childhood obesity and the consumption of 100% fruit juice: Where are the evidence-based findings?

Author
item O'NIEL, CAROL - Louisiana State University Agcenter
item NICKLAS, THERESA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2014
Publication Date: 8/1/2014
Citation: O'Niel, C.E., Nicklas, T.A. 2014. Childhood obesity and the consumption of 100% fruit juice: Where are the evidence-based findings?. In: Rippe, J.M. editor. Fructose, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sucrose and Health. New York, NY: Humana Press. p.247-275. doi:10.1007/978-1-4899-8077-9_16.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: With every food or beverage that contributes to total energy intake, it is important to weigh the contribution of the food or beverage to diet and health. Consumers of 100% fruit juice (FJ) showed better nutrient intake, nutrient adequacy, and diet quality than nonconsumers, suggesting that 100% FJ is not an "empty calorie" beverage. These studies also showed that consumption of 100% FJ was associated with consumption of whole fruit. In children, as well as in adults, fruit is an underconsumed food group. Recent studies have shown that although children are served fruit in day-care settings or through the Child Nutrition Programs, they may not consume it in adequate amounts. Therefore, consumption of 100% FJ may be an important strategy in helping children to meet the fruit recommendation promulgated by MyPlate. A total diet approach is recommended for children (and adults); and children and their caretakers should follow the recommendations promulgated by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) to achieve adequate food variety and nutrient intake while remaining within energy recommendations. However, the DGA and the American Academy of Pediatrics should provide clear and scientific evidence based guidance for consumption of 100% FJ by children.