ADA Study Suggests 100% Juice Not Associated With Pediatric Caries.
Forbes (12/1) reports a new study from the American Dental Association sought to determine whether consuming 100% juice increases the risk for dental caries in a representative sample of 2,300 preschoolers. The study found that it does not, regardless of socioeconomic background. “Interestingly, the researchers didn’t find any differences in juice intake among children in poverty (below the federal poverty guidelines) and those in higher economic groups (at or above 300% federal poverty level), but those in the middle drank slightly less fruit juice,” Forbes reports, adding, “The authors also didn’t find any differences in consumption based on sex or race/ethnicity.” The results were even true among children “drinking more than the maximum 4 to 6 ounces a day recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (though the typical preschooler consumes about double that).” Moreover, Forbes reports that the researchers suggest that there may be several reasons for the lack of a link between 100% fruit juice and caries, including exposure to fluoride, potential antibacterial components of pure juice, and that parents who give children 100% fruit juice are more likely to be health conscious in general.
