First Juice provides less sugar to kids

DENVER, March 10 (UPI) -- Some health conscious parents dilute 100 percent fruit juice to decrease their child's sugar intake but this dilutes vitamins too, a U.S.pediatrician says.

"Many juice products on the market contain an astounding amount of sugar -- on par with soda -- and in some cases, even more," Dr. Laura Jana, a pediatrician and co-author of the book "Food Fights, Winning the Nutritional Challenges of Parenthood Armed with Insight, Humor and a Bottle of Ketchup," tells United Press International.

A new product, First Juice, an organic fruit and vegetable juice for toddlers, contains 50 percent less sugar and calories than the average 100 percent fruit juice and children age 12 months and up can drink up to 8 ounces of First Juice per day.

"We know that children's taste preferences are developing very early in life, and thwarting the development of a sweet tooth is a very worthwhile goal," Jana said. "The 'three-a-day' guideline for dairy products is the mainstream recommendation and water is also a great drink to incorporate into a child's diet as well as a daily serving of juice."

The American Academy of Pediatrics says for children over age six months, the general recommendation is to offer a maximum of 4 to 6 ounces of juice a day.