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Fruit Juice Increases Colicky Babies and Need for Eye Glasses
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
May 25 2002 | 1,977 views

Fussy and seemingly inconsolable babies may be at risk for digestive problems from certain types of juice.

The study found that these so-called "colicky" infants were more likely to suffer from gas and sleep problems after drinking apple juice, which contains high concentrations of the sugars sorbitol and fructose. What's more, infants with these digestive difficulties were more likely to have tried fruit juice at an earlier age than other babies who had no digestive problems.

The results of the study, which support the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to avoid giving babies fruit juice until at least 6 months of age, may help the millions of parents who suffer through months of their child's high-pitched crying and unpredictable sleep patterns. Roughly 10% to 25% of infants have colic, which can last up to 4 months.

Parents should be advised to avoid early introduction to their infants of fruit juices, especially if they have symptoms of infant colic. Previous studies have shown that certain fruit juices produce excess gas, a common symptom of infant colic.

Pediatrics May 2002;109:797-805


Dr. Mercola''s Comments
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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This is a major area of confusion among so many parents. It is so sad as most of them are really trying to do a good job and provide a great diet for their kids.

They just don't realize that fruit juices can devastate their child's health due to the high levels of fructose (fruit sugar) present. If you are not aware of the dangers of fructose please review the links below.

However, the damage from fructose is greatly lowered if it is consumed with the whole fruit. When it is removed from the beneficial fiber in the fruit, one's blood sugar rapidly rises and this causes a major increase in insulin levels that appears to be one of the major factors for children requiring glasses.

So if you know anyone who is feeding their kids fruit juice please lovingly try to share with them this information so their children don't have to suffer from the enormous inconvenience of having to wear glasses or contacts their entire life.

If you are interested in further information, last week the British Medical Journal published my letter on this topic.

Related Articles:

Near-Sightedness Appears Linked to Excess Sugar in Diet

Fruit Juice May Cause Restlessness in Infants

Fructose Raises Triglyceride Levels

How Fructose, Insulin and Syndrome X Can Change Your Life

Fructose is No Answer For a Sweetener





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