Too Much JuiceBy age one, nearly 90% of all children in the U.S. drink some form of fruit juice. Although fruit juice is marketed as a healthy, natural source of vitamins and minerals, the potential drawbacks from regular juice consumption in early childhood are worthy of careful consideration. This sentiment is echoed by the authors of a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics. The authors suggest that offering juice to infants, especially before solid foods are introduced into the diet, can result in deficiencies in protein, fat, vitamins and minerals found in breast milk. Also, prolonged exposure to the four major sugars found in most fruit juices (sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol) can contribute to early dental problems. In their conclusions, the authors emphasize a number of points for parents to consider:
Consult your team of health care professionals before, during and after pregnancy to ensure that your child grows up healthy and happy. Reference: The American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Nutrition. The use and misuse of fruit juice in pediatrics. Pediatrics 2001: Vol. 107, No. 5, pp1210-13. Page printed from: http://www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=461&no_paginate=true&no_b=true |