Fruit Juice and Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics have just released new recommendations for fruit juice consumption by children.  The recommendation is NO fruit juice for children under 1 year old.  Excessive fruit juice can lead to tooth decay and weight gain.  Also, for children from ages 1-18, it is recommended that fruit juice should only be given in limited amounts.  Toddlers should not be given juice before nap time, bed time, or from covered cups at anytime throughout the day.

Fruit juice is not a health food.  Children do not need to consume fruit juice to achieve a well balanced diet.  The best way to acquire the nutrients from fruits and vegetables, is to actually eat the fruit or vegetable in their natural form.

If you would like further information on these recommendations, look on the American Academy of Pediatrics or American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s web sites under “fruit juice recommendations”.

-Joe Olsen, DDS

https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-Recommends-No-Fruit-Juice-For-Children-Under-1-Year.aspx