Fruit Juice Facts

Question:

My mother-in-law takes care of my 9-month old son during the day and gives him fruit juice to drink. I told her juice is not good for him. Am I right?

Answer:

Yes, the American Dental Association (ADA) reports that although fruit juices have some benefits, they also have potential harmful effects as well. Fruit juices provide little benefit over whole fruits because most juices have a high sugar content and lack the fiber found in whole fruit. The ADA recommends no fruit juice to children under age 1. It is recommended that children ages 1-4 consume one cup of fruit per day (4-6 oz.) and older children consume two cups of fruit per day (8-12 oz.) One-half of the fruits consumed can be in the form of 100% fruit juice (not fruit-flavored drinks).