Fruit juice may cause weight gain

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A recent review published in JAMA Pediatrics on January 16 sheds light on the possible link between 100 percent fruit juice consumption and weight gain in both children and adults.

Conducted by Michelle Nguyen and colleagues from the University of Toronto, this systematic literature review delved into the relationship between pure fruit juice intake and body weight.

The research team meticulously sifted through studies to understand this correlation better.

They analyzed data from 17 studies focusing on children and found that each additional daily serving of 100% fruit juice was associated with a minor increase (0.03) in Body Mass Index (BMI) change.

This suggests a potential connection between fruit juice consumption and weight gain in children.

In adults, the findings were more varied. The team looked at 25 studies and noted differences based on whether the studies adjusted for overall energy intake or not.

In studies that did not adjust for total calorie intake, a weight gain of 0.21 kg was associated with 100% fruit juice consumption. Interestingly, in studies that did account for energy intake, there was a slight weight loss (−0.08 kg).

However, in randomized clinical trials involving adults, no significant link was found between consuming 100% fruit juice and body weight.

The authors of the study conclude that their findings support existing guidelines to limit fruit juice consumption to avoid excess calorie intake and potential weight gain.

They suggest that further trials examining the impact of 100% fruit juice on body weight would be beneficial to deepen our understanding of this relationship.

It’s important to note that several authors of the study have disclosed financial ties to various medical organizations.

This research adds to the ongoing dialogue about diet, nutrition, and weight management, highlighting the need to carefully consider the role of fruit juices in our diets.

If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.

For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.

The research findings can be found in JAMA Pediatrics.

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