Daily fruit juice consumption leads to BMI gains in kids

A single serving of 100% fruit juice per day contributes to an increase in body mass index (BMI) in children, according to the results of a meta-analysis.

Researchers searched multiple online databases for prospective cohort studies of ≥6 months and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of ≥2 weeks wherein the association of 100% fruit juice intake with body weight change in children and adults were examined. In the trials, fruit juices were evaluated against noncaloric controls.

The search yielded 42 studies for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Of the studies, 17 involved children (n=45,851; 17 cohorts, median age 8 years) and 25 involved adults (n=268,095; 6 cohorts, median age 48 years; 19 RCTs, median age 42 years).

Pooled data from the cohort studies in children showed that each additional serving per day of 100% fruit juice was associated with a 0.03 (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.01–0.05)-higher BMI change.

In adults, on the other hand, pooled data from cohort studies that did not adjust for energy showed an association between 100% fruit juice intake and greater body weight gain (0.21 kg, 95 percent CI, 0.15–0.27 kg) than those from studies that did adjust for energy intake (−0.08 kg, 95 percent CI, −0.11 to −0.05; p<0.001).

Meanwhile, pooled data from RCTs in adults showed no significant link between 100% fruit juice consumption and body weight, although the CI was wide (mean difference, −0.53 kg, 95 percent CI, −1.55 to 0.48).