Excess Fruit Juice Consumption as a Contributing Factor in Nonorganic Failure to Thrive
Melanie M. Smith MNS, RD1, Fima Lifshitz MD1
1 Department of Pediatrics, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
This study can be accessed at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/93/3/438
The objective of the study was to determine whether excessive consumption of fruit juice is a contributing factor in failure to thrive in early childhood. Eight patients, aged 14 to 27 months, referred for failure to thrive were evaluated.
The study found that:
(a) In each case, deterioration of weight and growth progression coincided with excessive juice consumption.
(b) All children were underweight which ranged from 11% to 25%.
(c) Fruit juice, primarily apple juice, contributed 25% to 60% of daily energy intake.
(d) Dietary protein, fat, and micronutrient intakes were inadequate
.Smith concluded that excess fruit juice consumption may present a contributing factor in failure to thrive in infants.
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Recipe of the day
Egg and Capsicum Salad
Ingredients:
2 boiled eggs, diced
2 bacon eyes, diced
1tbs oil
½ green capsicum, diced
¼ cup parsley, chopped
1tbs mayonnaise
Instructions
Place oil and bacon in a frying pan on medium heat and cook until bacon has started to crisp. Remove excess oil and place bacon into a mixing bowl along with boiled eggs, capsicum, parsley and mayonnaise. Combine well.
To serve, place salad leaves on a plate and top with egg and capsicum mixture.