Five Reasons to Limit Juice

October 13, 2008

SEARCH drSpock

my account | sign in

HOT TOPICS

		Pregnancy Symptoms
		Read with Your Kids -- It's Fun!
		Take Our Quizzes
		Play with Your Baby

TOPICS

Breathing and Respiratory

Ear Problems: Miscellaneous

Eyes

Fever: Overview

Fever: Treatment

Fifth Disease and Parvovirus B19

GI Problems: Miscellaneous

Immunizations: General

Immunizations: The Shot Visit

Infections of Childhood

Insects: Bites and Stings

Medicines

Menstruation

Mononucleosis

Mouth and Throat Problems

Newborn Care

Newborns: Problems

Nose and Sinus Problems

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sickle Cell Disease

Strep Infections

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Urinary Tract Problems

Vomiting and Spitting Up


	Parents are talking about their children. Join the discussion.

Five Reasons to Limit Juice

by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

From boxes to bottles, from ice blue to neon yellow, there is a virtual smorgasbord of juices on store shelves, tempting your child with their bright packaging and clever names. In fact, juice has come to be seen by some moms and dads as an integral part of childhood. And while many juices are tasty, thirst-quenching, and contain helpful substances called phytochemicals, there are several compelling reasons to limit your child's juice intake:

Juice fills kids up, causing decreased appetites at mealtime, when they're presented with healthier foods.

It usually only provides one or two nutrients (usually Vitamin C), while milk and other foods provide many more.

Some studies show that kids who drink too much juice (more than 12 ounces a day) either don't gain enough weight or gain too much weight. That is, some children will have their hunger satiated by the natural sugar in juice and will eat less than they otherwise would (resulting in insufficient weight gain), while others will drink the calorie-laden juice and happily consume their regular meals (resulting in excessive weight gain).

Drinking too much can lead to loose stools.

Drinking juice in a bottle can lead to tooth decay because of its high natural sugar content.

No wonder that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that juice be limited to 4 to 6 ounces a day for 1- to 6-years old and to 8 to 12 ounces a day for 7- to 18-year-olds.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Fluid Needs of Babies
			Healthy Eating

Created March 17, 2001
Reviewed March 30, 2001

| |
| | |

THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee, or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full Terms of Service.