Clinical inquiries. When is it OK for children to start drinking fruit juice?

J Fam Pract. 2009 Sep;58(9):E3.

Abstract

Children should be at least 6 months of age and parents should provide only 100% fruit juice in a cup (not a bottle). Intake should be limited to 4 to 6 oz a day until 12 months of age. It's important to reiterate to parents that breastfeeding is the preferred source of infant nutrition for the first 6 (preferably 12) months of life. Sugar-sweetened fruit drinks have been linked to excess weight gain and obesity. Sugar-sweetened beverages provide little nutritional benefit to children and should be restricted.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Beverages*
  • Child
  • Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Fruit*
  • Humans
  • Obesity / prevention & control*