Does early fruit juice introduction influence anthropometric outcomes and food consumption at preschool age?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of fruit juice consumption before 6 months of age on Body Mass Index-for-age (BMI-for-age) and food consumption in preschoolers. We conducted a longitudinal study with mothers and their children (n=103) at 6 months and 3-6 years. Weight and height were measured and converted into BMI-for-age z-scores. Food consumption was analyzed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire for Children. Groups were compared using the chi-squared and Student's t-tests. No differences in anthropometric measurements were found at preschool age between children who had been given fruit juice before 6 months and those who had not. Consumption of artificial juice (>= once/day) and sandwich cookies at preschool age was higher in children with early introduction of fruit juice (<= 150 days of life) (63.8% versus 35.7%; p=0.028 and 21.3% versus 14.3%; p=0.001, respectively). The prevalence of the consumption of soda (1 to 4 times/week) and chocolate milk (at least once/day) was higher in children who had been given artificial juice before 6 months (69.2% versus 27.4%; p=0.014 and 38.5% versus 69.4%; p=0.027, respectively). It can be concluded that the consumption of sweet foods and sugary beverages was higher in children with early introduction of fruit juice.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of consuming fruit juice before 6 months of age on preschoolers' Body Mass Index-for-age (BMI-for-age) and food consumption. A longitudinal study with 103 mothers and children aged 6 months to 3-6 years was conducted. Height and weight were measured and converted into BMI-for-age z-scores. Food consumption was assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire for Children. The results showed no differences in anthropometric measurements at preschool age, but children with early introduction of fruit juice had higher consumption of artificial juice and sandwich cookies.