"Inclusion of fruit juice, in amounts consistent with dietary recommendations, as part of a healthy diet can provide important nutrients without increasing weight in children."
- Nicklas et al. American Journal of Health Promotion. March/April 2010.
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Keep Your Resolution to Maintain a More
Nutritious Diet with 100% Fruit Juices
Scientific Research Supports the Benefits of Consuming 100% Fruit Juice
WASHINGTON, DC (December 26, 2012) – If you're one of the millions of Americans resolving to maintain a more nutritious diet, 100% fruit juice can deliver valuable nutrients you need without any added sugars. One hundred percent fruit juice is a nutrient-dense beverage that is rich in many of the valuable nutrients found in whole fruit including vitamin C, folate, potassium and other naturally occurring plant compounds known to promote health, such as antioxidants.
Scientific evidence strongly supports the nutritional benefits of 100% juice. In fact, studies show that drinking 100% fruit juice is associated with a more nutritious diet overall, including reduced intake of dietary fat, saturated fat and added sugars. 1,2 One hundred percent fruit juice juices contain no added sugars, and current scientific evidence does not support a relationship between being overweight and juice consumption. 3, 4
"Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the USDA 2010 Dietary Guidelines note that 100% fruit juice is a nutritious and beneficial part of a healthy diet which may be consumed in moderate amounts in place of whole fruits," explained Diane Welland, a registered dietitian with the Juice Products Association. "According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines 100% fruit juice along with fat-free/low-fat milk is a nutrient dense beverage providing a substantial amount of nutrients along with the calories it contains. It is important, however, for everyone to eat a variety of foods in moderation for proper nutrition."
Fruit Juice Consumption in Children and Adolescents
The AAP suggests servings of 4 to 6 ounces of 100% fruit juice per day for children ages 1 to 6 years old and up to 12 ounces per day for children ages 7 to 18 years old.
Fruit juice has been seen to have a positive overall influence on nutrition and diet. A review of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), from 2003-2006, showed that children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years old who drink 100% fruit juice actually have more nutritious diets than non-fruit juice drinkers, because they have higher intakes of key nutrients such as vitamins A and C; magnesium; folate; phosphate; calcium and potassium. 5
Another study positively associated with drinking 100% fruit juice and a better overall diet quality in children and adolescents than non-consumers found those who consumed 100% fruit juice had higher intakes of total and whole fruit and reduced intakes of total dietary fat, saturated fat and added sugars.3
Fruit Juice Consumption in Adults and the General Population
Additional findings from NHANES data show that in adults, moderate intakes of 100% fruit juice is associated with healthful lifestyles and a lower risk for obesity and metabolic syndrome compared with those who don't drink 100% fruit juice. One hundred percent fruit juice drinkers were also found to be leaner with lower average BMIs and waist circumferences than non-consumers.4
A literature review presented at the 2011 spring Experimental Biology (EB) meeting, suggests a positive association between intake of 100 percent juice and reduced risk for several chronic diseases, including cancer, markers for cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
The National Fruit & Vegetable Alliance (NFVA), shows Americans consume far less than the USDA's Dietary Guidelines recommended intake for fruit, with only 8 percent of the total population and 12 percent of children achieving the target number of fruit servings in an average day. Nutrition experts now recognize that many forms of fruit can count as part of the fruit group, including canned, frozen and dried fruit and 100 percent juice. Each 4 oz. serving of 100 percent fruit juice provides ½ cup (1 serving) of fruit.
For more information on the health benefits of 100%fruit juice, please visit www.fruitjuicefacts.org.
1) Nicklas TA, O'Neil CE, Kleinman R. The Relationship Among 100% Juice Consumption, Nutrient Intake, and Weight of Adolescents 12 to 18 Years. Am J Health Prom. March/April 2010, Vol. 24, No. 4, PP. 231-2375 .
2) Nicklas T, O'Neil C, Kleinman R. Association Between 100% Juice Consumption and Nutrient Intake and Weight of Children Aged 2 to 11 Years. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162(6):557-565
3) O'Neil C, et al. A Review of the Relationship Between 100% Fruit Juice Consumption and Weight in Children and Adolescents. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2008. Vol. 2, No. 4, PP. 315-354.
4) Pereira M, Fulgoni V. Consumption of 100% Fruit Juice and Risk of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. J Am Coll Nutr, June 15, 2011. Vol. 29, No. 6. PP. 625-629
5) O'Neil C, et al. Fruit juice consumption is associated with improved nutrient adequacy in children and adolescents: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006. Public Health Nutrition, October 2012 Vol 15, No. 10 PP. 1871-1878.
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