Consumption of 100 per cent fruit juice can lead to weight gain in children and adults: JAMA

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 eligible studies, including 25 among adults (n = 268 095) and 17 among children (n = 45 851), revealed a positive association between 100% fruit juice intake and weight gain in children.

"Results of this meta-analysis provide evidence that 100% fruit juice consumption was associated with a small body mass index (BMI) gain in children," the researchers wrote.

They added, "Our meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies in adults provides evidence that daily consumption of 100% fruit juice was associated with gain in body weight, which is likely mediated in part by energy; however, this association was neither refuted nor supported by our meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials."

Intake of 100% fruit juice can be a convenient means to meet daily fruit recommendations and offers many nutrients in whole fruit, including essential antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols that can contribute to a healthy dietary pattern. However, concerns have been raised that intake of 100% fruit juice may lead to weight gain due to high amounts of energy and free sugars. These beverages contain little to no fibre versus the whole fruit form, resulting in greater ad libitum energy intake and low satiety.

Current evidence on fruit juice and weight gain has yielded mixed findings from clinical trials and observational studies. To fill this knowledge gap, Michelle Nguyen, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues aimed to synthesize the available evidence on 100% fruit juice consumption and body weight in children and adults.

For this purpose, they searched the online databases through May 18, 2023. The meta-analysis included prospective cohort studies of at least 6 months and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of at least two weeks evaluating the association of 100% fruit juice with body weight change in children and adults. In the trials, fruit juices were compared with noncaloric controls. Data were pooled using random-effects models and presented as β coefficients.

A change in body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) was assessed in children and a change in body weight in adults.

The analysis included 42 eligible studies, including 25 among adults (6 cohorts; 19 RCTs; 268 095 adults; median age among cohort studies, 48 years; median age among RCTs, 42) and 17 among children (17 cohorts; 0 RCTs; 45 851 children; median age, 8 years).

Based on the meta-analysis, the following inferences were made:

• Among cohort studies in children, each additional serving per day of 100% fruit juice was associated with a 0.03 higher BMI change.
• Among cohort studies in adults, studies that did not adjust for energy showed greater body weight gain (0.21 kg) than studies that did adjust for energy intake (−0.08 kg).
• RCTs in adults found no significant association of assignment to 100% fruit juice with body weight but the CI was wide (MD, −0.53 kg).

"Our results are in support of public health guidance to limit the consumption of 100% fruit juice to prevent obesity and overweight," the authors concluded.

Reference:

Nguyen M, Jarvis SE, Chiavaroli L, et al. Consumption of 100% Fruit Juice and Body Weight in Children and Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatr. Published online January 16, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.6124