Apple Products Research & Education Council

Nutrition

WHAT PEDIATRICIANS SAY ABOUT HEALTHY BEVERAGE CHOICES

A recent national Gallup survey of pediatricians revealed the following:

Nearly 90 percent of those surveyed believe beverages play an important role in a nutritious diet for children.
85 percent agree that parents are either not aware or only somewhat aware that beverages are a critical component of a healthful diet.
Nearly 50 percent believe that children’s diets are not as good as they should be.

Preferred beverage choices* chosen by those surveyed, in order of preference, were:

For children 1-2 years: breast milk, whole milk, 100% fruit juice (as an alternative to other beverages such as fruit drinks)
For children 2-12 years: reduced-fat or fat-free milk, 100% fruit juice (as an alternative to other beverages such as fruit drinks)
Apple juice is the fruit juice most often recommended as the first juice for infants.
Most pediatricians rate "easily accepted and pleasing" and "well tolerated" as the most important benefits of apple juice.

* Water was not included in this survey since it is understood that it would normally be recommended.