Pediatricians say fruit juice can cause stomach problems
Fruit juice can be too much of a good thing according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP is warning parents: too much fruit juice given to children can cause nutrition and stomach problems.
The academy's statement is published in this month's journal of Pediatrics.
"Fruit juice and fruit drinks are easily overconsumed by toddlers and young children because they taste good... because juice is viewed as nutritious, limits on consumption are not usually set by parents," says the statement.The AAP's nutrition committee recomends fruit juice be limited to four to six ounces (170 ml) a day for children aged one to six and eight to 12 oz.(250 ml to 350 ml) a day for ages seven to 18.
Fruit juice is defined as 100 per cent fruit juice, anything less is a fruit drink.
It also says fruit juice should not be given to infants before six months of age and after that, they should not get juice from bottles or sipping-type cups that allows them take too long to drink, increasing their chances of getting cavities.
The organization has warned parents of the dangers of tooth decay from prolonged juice sipping. This recent statement is its strongest yet on the dangers of fruit juice in general.
The academy says fruit juice doesn't contain any significant amounts of fat, protein, minerals or vitamins other than vitamin C. The juices contain so much carbohydrate (sugar), they can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence.
There has been conflicting research about the link between excessive fruit juice consumption during childhood and adult obesity.
The AAP is urging doctors to educate parents about the issue.