Juices And Sports Drinks

Juicy Tips Fortify Parents With Information

The variety of fruit-flavored drinks available at the grocery store may leave some parents asking, "Where's the juice?"

Clever advertising and packaging can easily lead parents into thinking that they are buying "juices" for their children, when in fact those "juices" have no real nutritional value.

Dr. Janice Stuff, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, encourages parents to purchase 100 percent fruit juice for their children. Fruit punches and drinks can contain as little as 10 percent juice. Although these products may be fortified with vitamin C, most are low in potassium and other minerals, but high in sugar.

Although there have been some reports of high juice consumption -- defined as 12 ounces of juice or more per day -- affecting young children's growth and weight, these findings have not held up upon further investigation. Some researchers at other institutions are continuing to investigate the issue.

Here Are Some More "Juicy" Tips:

• Pure fruit juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C keeps gums, skin, tissue and bones healthy. Potassium is important for maintaining normal bodily functions.
• Remember that as nutritious as 100 percent fruit juice is, children also need other forms of fruit in their diet for fiber and nutritional variety. Canned, fresh and frozen fruits are healthy alternatives. Keep individual cans of fruit and cut fresh fruit in the refrigerator.
• Although some juice products are "calcium-fortified," which can help milk-leery children meet their calcium needs, don't forget dairy products. Dairy products contain riboflavin, vitamins A and D, phosphorous and other important nutrients, in addition to calcium.
• Serve juice in moderation. Too much, especially before mealtime, will fill up your children, reducing their interest in mealtime offerings, which could short-change them on other important nutrients.
• Introduce juices separately to infants. This way you can see if the baby has an allergic reaction to a particular product. Children love to imitate their parents. Stuff encourages moms and dads to set a good example by drinking juices and water, instead of soda and other nutritionally challenged drinks.

Do My Kids Need Sports Drinks When All They Do Is Play?

The added carbohydrates and minerals in sports drinks benefit only athletes engaged in continuous, high-intensity aerobic workouts that last for 90 minutes or more. For most children, sports drinks offer little advantage over plain, cool water, says Becky Gorham, a registered dietitian with the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine.

Active kids do need to "tank up" on fluids before going out and rehydrate every 15 to 20 minutes while playing during the summer to help prevent heat-related illnesses.

If the availability of sports drinks encourages your kids to drink, you might consider compromising with a homemade "sport drink." Combine caffeine-free herbal tea, a little sugar, a bit of salt and a few ounces of orange juice. Chill in individual bottles. Or just stock the refrigerator with plenty of bottled water to tempt thirsty kids on the go.

Source: Children's Nutrition Research Center at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston "Studying Nutrition Today for the Health of Future Generations"