A longitudinal study of children's juice intake and growth: The juice controversy revisited

Objectives To determine associations between children's longitudinal juice intake and growth parameters at age 72 months and to determine children's b everage intake patterns over time. Subjects/setting White children (n=72) residing in the vicinity of a Southe rn US city participated in a longitudinal study. Methods Seven in-home interviews were conducted per child when each child w as between 24 and 72 months of age. The 7 sets of 3-day dietary data were a nalyzed for beverage intake, categorized as juice (100% juice only), milk, carbonated beverages, and other drinks (eg, lemonade, Lea, juice drinks). T he following growth parameters were determined for each child at age 72 mon ths: height, weight, body mass index (measured as kg/m(2)), and ponderal in dex (measured as kg/m(3)); the 3 latter are measures of overweight. Statistical analyses Associations between longitudinal juice intake and eac h growth parameter were tested with general linear models. Repeated measure s analysis of variance tested changes in beverage intakes over time. Results There were no statistically significant associations between juice and children's height, weight, or body mass index. as tested by general lin ear models. Children's longitudinal juice intake was negatively related to ponderal index (beta =0.065, P=.050). Children's juice intake decreased sig nificantly between ages 2 and 6 years, from 6.8 to 3.6 oz/day (P=.0001): in takes of carbonated beverages and other drinks increased from 1.7 to 3.8 oz /day (P=.0016) and from 2.7 to 6.2 oz/day (P=.0001), respectively. Applications/conclusions Children's longitudinal juice intake was not assoc iated with either short stature or overweight. As juice consumption decreas ed, intakes of less nutritious beverages increased. Consumption of 100% jui ces should be encouraged by health professionals and parents/caregivers.