American pediatricians do not recommend giving fruit juices to children.
'01.10.2021'
Source: NBC New York
The American Academy of Pediatrics urges: "Don't give fruit juice to children!" And this is the first change in recommendations for fruit juice from 2001, writes NBC New York.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 1 year of age should not have fruit juices in their diet - from apples, pears, grapes, or other foods.
Experts say that while some fortified fruit juices can provide vitamins, they lack fiber and protein, which are important for growth. In addition, it can lead to excessive weight gain and tooth decay.
Statement, published in the June issue of Pediatrics, is the first change in fruit juice guidelines since 2001. The 2001 policy, reaffirmed in 2006, did not recommend fruit juice for children under 6 months of age, 110-170g daily for children aged 1-6 and 220-340g for children 7 years and older.
“Since then, however, serious concerns have been expressed about the increased risk of obesity and dental caries,” the statement said.
The new policy advises parents not to juice at all to children under 1 year of age, unless juice is indicated for chronic constipation. The threshold has also increased: a maximum of 110 g daily for children 1 to 3, 110-170 g for children aged 4 to 6, and 220 g for children 7 years and older. Instead of juice, the AAP advises giving children whole fruits. Especially water and milk.
"The policy clarifies that there is virtually no room for juices during the first year of life, and expensive juice products designed specifically for babies have no value," the AAP said in a statement.
“When you give juice to a baby, it is important that he does not drink it all day, and also don’t use juice to calm an upset child.”
Key recommendations:
• Juice should not be given to a child under 1 year old
• Babies are not advised to give juice from a bottle or easily transportable covered cups that allow juice to be consumed throughout the day
• Don't give juice before bed.
• Offer the child fruit instead of juice and make sure he eats it completely
• Parents should remember that at a young age all the needs of the body are covered by breast milk or formula; for older children, low-fat milk and water are enough
• Consuming unpasteurized juices - not recommended
• Grapefruit juice should be avoided by those taking certain medications
• In case of stomach problems (diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain), the amount of the daily dose of juice should be determined by the pediatrician.
