Fruit juice offers no nutritional benefit to children under age one and should not be included in their diet, according to new guidelines issued Monday by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Previously, the pediatricians' group advised against offering fruit juice to children under six months, but expanded that time frame based on evidence accumulated over recent years that linked juice consumption to rising rates of obesity and concerns about dental health.
"Parents may perceive fruit juice as healthy, but it is not a good substitute for fresh fruit and just packs in more sugar and calories," said Melvin Heyman, co-author of the new policy statement, which was published in the journal Pediatrics.
The new recommendations stated that 100-percent fresh or reconstituted fruit juice can be a healthy part of the diet of children older than one year when consumed as part of a well-balanced diet.
It also said that toddlers should not be given juice from bottles or easily transportable "sippy cups" that allow them to consume juice easily throughout the day. Toddlers should also not be given juice at bedtime.
In addition, the group said, fruit juice is not appropriate in the treatment of dehydration or management of diarrhea.
"We know that excessive fruit juice can lead to excessive weight gain and tooth decay," said co-author Steven Abrams. "Pediatricians have a lot of information to share with families on how to provide the proper balance of fresh fruit within their child's diet."
