Q: I keep hearing that I shouldn’t give my kids too much juice. But how much is too much?
The newest recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is that children under the age of 1 year should not be exposed to fruit juices, as they contain unneeded added sugars and offer no nutritional benefit. In excess, they can lead to obesity and tooth decay. According to the AAP, after 1 year, the amount that a child can have varies by age:
- Toddler (1 to 3 years): No more than 4 oz. of 100 percent fruit juice
- Preschool (4 to 6 years): No more than 4 to 6 oz. of juice
- Children (7 to 18): 8 oz. or 1 cup of the recommended 2 to 2 1/2 cups of fruit servings per day.
Remember, juice lacks the nutrients and fiber found in regular fruit. When possible, choose whole fruits over juice.
—Dr. Courtney White, pediatrician at The Vancouver Clinic
