Fruit juices — especially those marketed in tetra packs — an increasingly favorite beverage among young children and frequently replaced water and milk.
In addition to altering the diet’s nutrient content, excessive intake of fruit juices can affect the absorption of carbohydrates and cause persistent, nonspecific diarrhea.
Excessive consumption of fruit juices [about 350-850ml per day] may cause failure to thrive in toddlers. Excess fruit juice intake by young preschool children may replace the consumption of higher energy foods and decrease a child’s appetite resulting in decreased food intake and poor growth. Combined with physical activity, consumption of large volumes of juice may constitute or sustain an overweight condition in children.
Fruit juice consumption should be limited to four — six oz daily for infants older than six months of age in toddlers. Older children and adolescents should drink no more than 6-12 oz per day. Remember, fresh fruit juices are best. Most fruit juices being sold in India are not ‘real’ juices are made from concentrate with lots of added sugar.
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Dear Ms. Sanjana,
I do give my son ( 3yrs)fruit juice in the evening during our tea break. Arround 1/2 cup ( thick juice).Is it safe? Some say mango juice is not good for toddler. Is this true?
[Reply]
Sanjana - Dietitian Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Hi Malar,
No fruit juice can cause any problems unless you see any visible symptoms. Rather than fruit juices which are high on sugar, try to give fruits to your son, as fruits are higher in fiber and low in sugar while juices give too much of sugar and very little fiber.
[Reply]
Dear Ms.Sanjana,
Thanks for your reply. If i make a fresh fruit juice using juicer, it is ok? What i mean on above mail was i blend the fruit in juicer and give the juice to my son. Thank you so much for your reply.
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