A comprehensive study and meta-analysis done by Vasanti Malik, MSc, ScD, from the University of Toronto, found that daily 100% fruit juice consumption in children increases BMI somewhat. Each 8-ounce serving of 100% fruit juice increased BMI by 0.03 in prospective cohort studies, with younger children showing a greater effect. Adult cohort studies found no significant relationship between 100% fruit juice drinking and weight gain. Adult randomized clinical studies (RCTs) found no connection, with a mean difference of -0.53 kg for juice drinkers against controls.
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New Study Backs Water and Whole Fruit for Kids, Echoing AAP Guidelines
The findings corroborate public health advice to limit 100% fruit juice, especially in young children. Co-author Michelle Nguyen advised drinking water and eating whole fruit instead of juice. The study supports the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines that children under 6 should drink less than one glass of fruit juice per day.
No RCTs have been undertaken on children, although subgroup analysis of cohort studies showed that 100% fruit juice consumption increased BMI in children under 10. Children 11 and older showed no significant connection. The study raises concerns about giving fruit juice early on, which may increase the risk of overweight and obesity in later childhood.
Study Reveals Link Between Fruit Juice, Calories, and Adult Weight, Varies Across Continents
In adults, cohort studies without calorie intake adjustments linked 100% fruit juice to weight gain. After adjusting for energy consumption, studies indicated an inverse correlation. Juice drinking may cause adult weight gain due to additional calories, according to a study. In North America, juice consumption was positively associated with adult weight growth, but in Europe, it was negatively associated.
The systematic review and meta-analysis combined data from 17 prospective cohort studies, six prospective cohort studies, and 19 RCTs on 45,851 children and 268,095 adults.
In conclusion, the research emphasizes minimizing fruit juice intake in youngsters, selecting whole fruit, and evaluating the effects of excess calories in adults.
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