Volume 6, Number 3
Spring 2001

Another Example of Confusion

In 1999, many parents were surprised to find out that fruit juice could lead to obesity and possibly stunt the growth of their children. According to the study, children who consumed more than 12 ounces of fruit juice daily were more likely to become obese or be of short stature. It didn’t take long for other researchers to refute the results of that study. Over the course of a few days, the media first reported that fruit juice was "bad" and then the media reported that fruit juice was probably "OK." In May 2001, a committee from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said that fruit juice and pop can lead to tooth decay, malnutrition, and obesity in infants and children. Is it any wonder that people are confused about food?

On the surface, it may again seem that juice is a "bad" food, but that just isn’t the case. The concern about malnutrition or stunted growth comes from the fact that fruit juices may be displacing more nutritious foods, such as formula or milk. Some fruit juices contain vitamin C and possibly a few other added nutrients in small amounts (such as calcium), but fruit juice is not nutritionally comparable to formula or milk which contain protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. While the promotion of tooth decay can come from any carbohydrate, the issue here is that many infants and children are drinking all day from sipper cups full of fruit juice or pop. Infants who are given a bottle of juice or pop (or even milk or formula) to drink during the night are also subject to tooth decay since the carbohydrate is bathing the teeth all night long. This is referred to as baby bottle tooth decay.

It also appears that juice or pop is being singled out as a main cause of obesity in children. 146Can&#t cookies or candy be a cause of obesity? What the committee is saying is that pop or juice is very calorie dense (has many calories per serving), and since many kids are drinking these beverages all day, many extra calories are being consumed. The bottom line is that any calories from carbohydrate, protein, or fat that aren’t used by the body will be stored as fat. Juice and pop have become the beverages of choice for many children, and the calories in those beverages can quickly add up. As a guideline, the committee suggests that the intake of juice should be limited to four to six ounces daily for children ages one to six and eight to twelve ounces for children seven to eighteen years of age.

One reason that a news report can seem confusing is how much time is given to that news item. In a few seconds, only the highlights can be given on any topic, which often leaves a person with the wrong perception. Another reason may be that the reporter doesnÕt know how to interpret the study or information, therefore making the news report inaccurate or incomplete. When it comes to news about health, seek out a health professional to get the whole story and clear up any confusion. Remember that there are no good foods or bad foods, just better food choices, and that not one food is responsible for our health.

Copyright© 1999-2008 Kevin Kelly, LRD. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.

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