Carol E. O'Neil of Louisiana State University and Theresa A. Nicklas of Baylor College of Medicine said despite studies that assert otherwise, 100 percent fruit juice consumption was not related to weight problems in children.

"Health professionals and policy makers should be encouraged to objectively review the literature on all beverages and encourage consumption of healthful beverages including water, milk and 100 percent fruit juice," the review authors said in a statement.

"The data support the consumption of 100 percent fruit juice in moderate amounts and this may be an important strategy to help children meet the current recommendations for fruit."

The findings are published in the May/June issue of the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.