Fruit juice nutrition and health

Fruit juice is a nutritious beverage that is currently included as an option within the fruit servings of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Nutrient comparisons of commonly consumed fruit juices and whole fruit counterparts support the retention of fruit juice as a fruit serve option in the soon to be revised Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Analysis of the National Nutrition Survey showed that fruit juice provided 33% of the vitamin C in children's diets, a larger contribution than whole fruit and 25% of adult vitamin C intake. Fruit juice provided 2% of energy to 2-18 year olds and 1% of adult energy intake. Studies of fruit juice and bodyweight have mixed findings. Some recent studies indicate no link between 100% fruit juice and overweight in US children as well as Australian adolescents. The available evidence supports general intake advice of 1-2 moderate serves of fruit juice as part of a varied diet in conjunction with an active lifestyle.