The right amount of fruit juice depends on age, diet, and health goals. Fruit juice contains vitamins and minerals, but it's heavy in sugar, even natural fruit sugar, so drink it in moderation.
Fruit juice guidelines for children from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
Infants (up to 12 months): Infants under 12 months should mostly eat breast milk or infant formula, therefore avoid fruit juice. After starting solids, whole fruits can be included to a diversified diet.
Toddlers (1-3 years): The AAP advises limiting fruit juice to 4 ounces (120 milliliters) per day for toddlers. Toddlers should eat entire fruits rather than juice to get fiber and other nutrients.
Children and adolescents (7 years and older): Limit fruit juice intake and favor whole fruits for older children and teenagers. Avoid drinking more than 4 to 8 ounces (120-240 milliliters) of fruit juice daily.
Adding fruit juice to the diet requires 100% fruit juice without sugars or sweeteners. Diluting fruit juice with water or choosing low-sugar variants can also cut sugar intake.
The ideal way is to eat a balanced diet with a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy or dairy alternatives, and little added sugars and sugary beverages, including fruit juice.
A doctor or nutritionist can make dietary recommendations based on your needs and health goals.
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