The role of fruit juice in a balanced diet – Volume 4 – (Article 4 of 5)

by Dr Marli Botha

Water and milk are the healthiest drinks for children. Fruit juice is considered a healthier drink option that sugary sodas. It is recommended that parents should limit all sugary drinks their children drinks, too many sugars in a child’s diet can contribute to health problems.

Here’s how fruit juice can support a healthy diet for kids:

• Many children don’t eat enough fruit. Combining fruit juice and whole fruit may make it easier for children to get enough fruit in their diet. Fruit juice may also provide access to a larger variety of fruits year round.
• 100% fruit juices will contain a lot of much needed vitamins and minerals which can be a great solution for parents with picky eaters who don’t like to eat fruits and veggies.
• Fortified juices especially those with extra Calcium and Vitamin D can benefit children who have milk allergies, are lactose intolerant, or are vegan.
• The Fruit Juice Center compiles a wealth of evidence to show that 100% fruit juice – which never contains added sugars – is not in the same category as sugar-sweetened beverages, especially where children’s risk of obesity is concerned. They observed no associations between consumption of 100% fruit juice and weight or body composition markers, indicating that fruit juice does not impact on obesity risk in children.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/children/what-to-know-fruit-juice-children

https://myfamilynutritionist.com/best-juice-for-kids

https://fruitjuicesciencecentre.eu/en/diet-and-nutrition/100-fruit-juice-and-childhood-obesity-risk

Nutrition Guidelines for Early Childhood Development Centres in South Africa (2016)