Improved nutrient intake and diet quality with 100% fruit juice consumption in children: NHANES 2003–2006

Fruit juice (FJ) consumption has recently been viewed as a sweetened beverage with little regard to its nutrient contribution to the diet. NHANES, 2003–2006, data were used to examine the association of 100% FJ consumption with nutrient intake and diet quality in children ages 2–5 y (n=1,665) and 6–12 y (n=2,446). Mean usual intakes, standard errors, and regression analyses (juice independent variable; vitamins/minerals and Healthy Eating Index‐2005 [HEI] were dependent variables) were determined using sample weights. Mean daily intake of 100% FJ was 5.76 ± 0.17oz (2–5 y) and 2.59 ± 0.37oz (6–12 y); 29% (2–5 y) and 43% (6–12 y) did not consume 100% FJ on the day of the recall. In children 2–5 y, magnesium (p=0.004), potassium (p<0.001), vitamin C (p<0.0001), and HEI (p<0.0001) (specifically whole fruit and whole grain) increased linearly and added sugars decreased linearly (p<0.0001) with higher levels of FJ consumption; in children 6–12y, magnesium (p<0.0001), calcium (p<0.0001), potassium (p<0.0001), dietary fiber (p<0.0001), vitamin C (p<0.0001) and HEI (p<0.0001) increased linearly and added sugars decreased linearly (p<0.0001) with higher intakes of FJ. On average, 100% FJ consumption did not exceed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation for children and was associated with increased consumption of key nutrients and better diet quality in children. Funding: USDA and Juice Products Association.