Drinking just one glass of pure fruit juice a day could make kids fat according to a new study.
Researchers found a positive association between 100 percent fruit juice that contains high amounts of natural sugar and weight gain in children but it was less clear in adults. They recommend parents cut back on how much of the sugary drinks their kids consume to limit their calories and excessive weight gain.
In general in adults, superfood–type juices such as pomegranate, berry such as goji, barberry, bilberry, and currant, and tart cherry juices tended toward weight loss, whereas apple, citrus, and grape juices tended toward a weight gain.
Fruit juice can take the place of other healthy liquids, such as water for adults or breast milk for infants.
The team from the University of Toronto crunched the data from 42 different studies, 17 on kids and 25 on adults. The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, also found that weight gain was more strongly associated per serving with younger than older kids.
“Concerns have been raised that frequent consumption of 100 percent fruit juice may promote weight gain. Current evidence on fruit juice and weight gain has yielded mixed findings from both observational studies and clinical trials,” said corresponding author Assistant Professor Dr Vasanti Malik.
“Consumption of 100 percent fruit juice can serve as a convenient means to meet daily fruit recommendations and offers many of the nutrients found in whole fruit including essential vitamins, antioxidants, and polyphenols that can contribute to a healthy dietary pattern,” she added.
“However, there is concern that intake of 100 percent fruit juice may contribute to weight gain due to the high amounts of free sugars and energy. These beverages contain little to no fiber compared with the whole fruit form, resulting in low satiety and greater energy intake,” she continued.
“We found one serving per day of 100 percent fruit juice was associated with BMI gain among children. Findings in adults found a significant association among studies unadjusted for total energy, suggesting potential mediation by calories. An analysis of trials in adults found no significant association between 100% fruit juice consumption and body weight. Our findings support guidance to limit consumption of fruit juice to prevent intake of excess calories and weight gain,” said Dr Vasanti Malik.
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
