"Inclusion of fruit juice, in amounts consistent with dietary recommendations, as part of a healthy diet can provide important nutrients without increasing weight in children."

- Nicklas et al. American Journal of Health Promotion. March/April 2010.

Government Guidelines Stress Eating Adequate
Servings of Fruits and Vegetables

One-half cup of 100% fruit juice is equal to one fruit serving

WASHINGTON DC (November 7, 2005) - Government dietary guidelines issued in 2005 illustrate that 100% fruit juices can play an important role in a healthful diet for adults and children over the age of two.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans which recommend consumption of several cups per day of fruits and vegetables, acknowledge the role that 100% juice can play as part of the fruit allotment. They suggest that people:

Consume a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables while staying within energy needs. Two cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables per day are recommended for a reference 2,000-calorie intake, with higher or lower amounts depending on the calorie level.

Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. Since ½ cup of 100% fruit juice is equal to one fruit serving, consuming juice can be considered part of the recommended intake of two cups of fruits suggested daily.

Although these Guidelines recommend whole fruit consumption versus fruit juices because of their fiber content, they also recommends that Americans consume fruit and vegetable juices to obtain recommended amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folate and potassium. "Phytonutrients found in fruit juices also need to be considered when making healthy beverage choices," says Carol Freysinger, Executive Director of the Juice Products Association.

Freysinger also points to the newest USDA MyPyramid food guidance program, which lists specific portion sizes and amounts of 100% juice that children and adults can consume. It notes that "any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the fruit group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut-up, or pureed" and that consumption should be in line with one's specific caloric needs.

When it comes to a child's diet, parents and caregivers should always discuss their child's nutritional requirements with their pediatrician, family physician or other health professional, especially for children under the age of two.

 

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