Fruit Juice Does Little for Infants
Experts say fruit juice does little for children in their first year of life.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says fruit juice has no nutritional value for infants younger than a year old.
The Academy is updating its guidelines on fruit juice for children for the first time in 16 years.
The Chair for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Texas is Doctor Steve Abrams. He says fruit juice is not necessary for children at any age, but it is okay in moderation.
“During early childhood, the recommendation is no more than four ounces,” Abrams says. “And then later in childhood and adolescence, it goes up to six to eight ounces. We have specific recommendations on the amount but I think the most important is to limit it to one serving per day.”
Abrams says infants should drink only breast milk or formula.
He says eating fruits and vegetables is more beneficial than drinking fruit juice.
