Are fruit juices good for your child's health?

"How much fruit juice must I give my child doctor?" Minal asked me today morning. Atleast 3 mothers ask me this question every day in Out-patient unit. Another such question. "It's so cold outside doctor and my daughter has less thirst and is refusing to drink juices! It's worrying me!"

What makes fruit juice so important in a child's diet? I often wondered and I even asked a few mothers. They in turn looked back at me as if I was hastily putting off their questions. But it is true!. Fruit juices have only water, small quantities of fructose and sucrose, and some vitamins..that's all and no big deal! In addition, packed fruit juices have preservatives and additives. If the fruit juices are not fresh or not prepared under hygienic conditions, then they can have ugly microbes like Salmonella, E-coli, etc.

There is enough research to suggest that fruit juices must not be given to infants less than one year. In these small kids, fruit juices can lead to abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, frequent vomiting, malnutrition (undernutrition or overnutrition) and dental caries. Protein-energy malnutrition can occur. In toddlers between 1 to 3 years, about 100 ml of juices can be given in a day which has some pulp. Not more than that. In children beyond three years of age, about 200 ml of fruit juice is enough. Fruits squashes and pulps are better options to juices since they have fiber also. Fruit juices kill hunger and prevent the child from taking other nutritious foods like proteins, cereals, vegetables and good fat.

Fruit juices must never be given in bottles or easily transportable covered cups to prevent easy consumption of fruit juice all through the day. Fruit juice must never be given at bedtime.

Children must be educated to eat whole fruit to meet their daily recommended fruit intake. Benefits of whole fruit intake include fiber intake and longer time to consume the same calories when compared to fruit juice, thus decreasing the risk of obesity.

To satisfy fluid requirements, breast milk and formula are enough for infants less than one year of age. For older children, water and low-fat milk are enough.

As far as possible, grape juice intake must be avoided, especially in children taking long-term medication for some reason.

Canned juices and packed juices are detrimental for health and must be completely avoided.