Spanish Society of Pediatrics - Spain
Natural juices should be avoided, but if they are given in a glass, preferably after the main meals, and not as a replacement for these, in a maximum dose of 100 mL/day, in order to improve the absorption of iron, there is no heme present in foods such as beans and dark green leaves.
American Academy of Pediatrics – USA
Juices do not provide nutritional benefits for children under 6 months and should not be offered to them. Fresh fruit should be offered in preference to juice. Juices offer no greater benefit than fresh fruit. 100% natural fruit juice can be part of a healthy diet when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Artificial or “box” fruit juices are not equivalent to natural fruit juice and are not recommended.
Juices should not be given in bottles or in containers that are easy to transport, in order to stimulate your intake throughout the day. Do not offer juices at bedtime.
Juices are not suitable for treating dehydration and diarrhea.
Excessive juice consumption can be associated with diarrhea, flatulence, bloating and tooth decay, in addition to malnutrition.
Juice intake should be limited to 120 to 180 ml per day in children aged 1 to 6 years, and for children aged 7 to 18 years, from 200 to 350 ml, or 2 glasses per day.
In children considered malnourished, with chronic diarrhea, excessive flatulence, abdominal pain and poor digestion, the pediatrician should evaluate the child and determine the amount of juice consumed.
Tooth decay can be directly related to the amount of juice ingested, without the necessary care.
National Health Service (NHS) – United Kingdom
Babies under 6 months should not be given fruit juices.
Diluted fruit juices (one part juice to 10 parts water) can be offered to children with meals after 6 months. That would be flavored water.
National Health and Medical Research Council – Austrália
Juices are unnecessary and not recommended for children under 1 year of age.
Sweetened drinks are associated with tooth decay.
Teas and other beverages have no known benefits for the child and can be potentially dangerous.
Health Canada – Canada
Does not recommend juices in the first year. After 1 year, they advise giving juice in a limited way and not offering sweetened drinks. If the child is thirsty, offer him water.
The problem of excess juice
Whenever possible, offer the fruit in natura, as it maintains the fibers that are great for the intestine and to keep the glycemic index low.
The child needs to learn to chew, the offer of juice ends up making the child lazy to chew and ends up rejecting solid foods.
Excess juice can damage tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay.
Too much juice can cause gas and diarrhea.
Consumption of more than 350ml of juice per day is associated with short stature and obesity.
Fruit juices can contain sorbitol and a lot of fructose, which can cause colic in the baby as they increase gas production.
Sugars can cause problems later on, as children later find it difficult to reduce carbohydrates in their diet.
SUMMING UP:
Children (and even adults) don't need fruit juices. To hydrate, the ideal is to drink water and to guarantee nutrients, the ideal is to consume the fruits in natura.
References:
The Use and Misuse of Fruit Juice in Pediatrics. Pediatrics 2001;107;1210. Committee on Nutrition. DisponĂvel on-line em: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/107/5/1210.full.html;
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines-publications/n56;
http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/infant-care-soins-bebe/nutrition-alimentation-eng.php#a2;
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/drinks-and-cups-children.aspx#close.
