About the Study

The study included 8 prospective cohort studies examining the association of 100% fruit juice and change in BMI measures.

A meta-analysis of the studies revealed that consuming 1 daily 6- to 8-ounce serving of 100% fruit juice was associated with:

• A 0.003 unit (0% increase in BMI percentile) increase in BMI z score over a year in children of all ages
• A 0.087 (4% increase in BMI percentile) unit increase in BMI z score in children 1 to 6 years

100% fruit juice consumption was not associated with BMI z score increase in children ages 7 to 18 years.

How Does this Affect You?

A meta-analysis is a mathematical method that combines the results of several smaller studies in order to improve the reliability of the results. Studies chosen for inclusion in a meta-analysis must be similar in a number of characteristics in order to accurately combine their results. In this analysis, the observational studies differed in exposure assessment and adjustments based on participant characteristics, making the end result less reliable. The trials were also observational studies which can show some potential link between 2 factors but cannot show cause and effect. So while this study did not show a statistically significant connection between fruit juice and child weight gain, it can not confirm that fruit juice was the cause.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that caregivers do not give fruit juice to children under 12 months and that they limit it to 4-6 ounces in children 1 to 6 and 1 cup in children 7 to 18. If your child is overweight, talk to the doctor about health risks related to obesity and how you can help your child lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. To help reduce your child's chance of being overweight or obese, encourage your child to eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.