AAP: Policy Statement Regarding Fruit Juice Consumption

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a policy statement recommending no fruit juice consumption for children <1 year old.

In the past, the AAP had recommended fruit juice not be given to children <6 months. This update is in response to the increasing rates of obesity and oral health issues. A high intake of fruit juice can cause excessive weight gain and tooth decay. Melvin B. Heyman, MD, FAAP, co-author of the statement, noted, “Small amounts in moderation are fine for older kids, but are absolutely unnecessary for children under 1.” 

The updated recommendations include:

• No juice before age 1
• For toddlers ages 1–3, up to half a cup per day (4oz); do not give juice at bedtime
• For children ages 4–6, up to three-quarters cup per day (6oz)
• For children and teens ages 7–18, up to 1 cup per day (8oz)
• Do not put juice in a “sippy cup” or bottle that the child carries around
• Offer your child whole fruit, which has both the vitamins and fiber that children need
• Unpasteurized juice products should be strongly discouraged for children of all ages
• Children who take specific forms of medication should not be given grapefruit juice, which can impact the medication’s efficacy
• Fruit juice is not appropriate to treat dehydration or manage diarrhea

The AAP also states that human milk or infant formula is sufficient for infants whereas low-fat/nonfat milk and water are sufficient for older children. 

For more information visit AAP.org.