AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS CONFIRMS
THE PROPER ROLE OF 100 PERCENT FRUIT JUICE IN A HEALTHY DIET

The Processed Apples Institute Supports the Proper Use of 100% Fruit Juice in the Diets of Infants and Children

ATLANTA (May 7, 2001) - In reference to a recent, updated statement on fruit juice consumption by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (Pediatrics, May 2001), the Processed Apples Institute (PAI) is in agreement that after milk (including breast milk and infant formula) and water, 100 percent fruit juice is the next best beverage choice for children.

However, PAI would like to strongly emphasize three points that could get lost in the Academy's lengthy technical statement:

1. By stating that the vast majority of infants and children are currently consuming 100 percent fruit juice within the recommended limits, AAP has demonstrated there is no reason for widespread concern.
   
   
2. Very new research has further confirmed that 100 percent fruit juice does not have any detrimental effect on developmental growth or obesity in children. This new longitudinal research, published by Dr. Jeanne Skinner of the University of Tennessee/Knoxville in the April 2001 Journal of the American Dietetic Association ("A longitudinal study of children's juice intake and growth: the juice controversy revisited"), is derived from a large database on children's beverage intake over several years. The latest analyses by Dr. Skinner found, "although juice intakes were not always moderate, growth parameters did not indicate overweight or short status." She concluded, "There were no statistically significant associations between juice [intake] and children's height, weight or body mass index…" and that "one hundred percent juices are acceptable, affordable, and nutritious beverages that do not compromise children's growth."
   
   
3. Recent research studies have found that 100 percent fruit juice, in particular 100 percent apple juice, contains important phytonutrients that are beneficial to health.

"In this statement aimed at pediatricians, the AAP has acknowledged the benefits of 100 percent fruit juice and has now formalized recommendations regarding healthy beverage choices. In fact, the amounts of fruit juice recommended by AAP, as well as when to introduce fruit juice in an infant's diet, are in keeping with PAI's ongoing consumer campaign on "Smart Sippin'," said Sue Taylor, R.D., director of nutrition communications for PAI. Taylor added, "The AAP recommendations are entirely consistent with the pediatric community's attitudes toward apple juice and fruit juice in general, based on a national survey of pediatricians conducted by the Gallup Organization on behalf of PAI."

The Gallup survey of pediatricians found that 9 out of 10 pediatricians believe that healthy beverages play an important role in a nutritious diet for children. The survey also found that 100 percent apple juice is the fruit juice most often recommended as the first juice for infants.

When it comes to a child's diet, PAI has always recommended that parents and caregivers discuss their child's nutritional requirements with their pediatrician, family physician or other health professional, especially for children under the age of one.

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The Processed Apples Institute is a non-profit association of companies that make and supply products for the processed apples industry. Further information on ’Smart Sippin' ’ is available on http://www.applejuice.org/SmartSip.html.

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