Association between 100% juice consumption and nutrient intake and weight of children aged 2 to 11 years

Objective: To investigate the associations between 4 categories of daily 100% juice consumption (0 fl oz, > 0 to <= 6 fl oz; > 6 to < 12 fl oz; and >= 12 fl oz) and nutrient and food group intake and weight in children. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Secondary analysis of the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Participants: Children 2 to 11 years of age (N = 3618). Main Exposure: Juice consumption. Outcome Measures: The association between juice consumption, nutrient intake, food group consumption, and weight status was determined as was the likelihood of overweight with juice consumption. Results: Mean daily juice consumption was 4.1 fl oz, which contributed a mean intake of 58 kcal (3.3% of total energy intake). Compared with nonconsumers, the overall nutritional profile of those consuming 100% juice had significantly higher intakes of energy, carbohydrates, vitamins C and 136, potassium, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, and folate and significantly lower intakes of total fat, saturated fatty acids, discretionary fat, and added sugar. Children consuming 100% juice also consumed significantly more servings of total whole fruit than nonconsumers. No significant differences were found in weight status and the amounts of 100% juice consumed. There was no difference in the likelihood of being overweight between juice consumers and nonconsumers. Conclusions: On average, children consumed less than the maximum amounts of 100% juice recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. One hundred percent juice consumption was associated with better nutrient intake than in the nonconsumption group and was not associated with weight status or the likelihood of being overweight in children 2 to 11 years of age.