U.S. public health experts: "There are only two drinks that are safe for children to consume"

Major American nutrition and public health associations jointly announced beverage guidelines for children and adolescents.

The American Institute of Nutrition and Health Research, 'Healthy Eating Research,' announced on the 30th that the only beverages recommended for children aged 5 to 18 are water and milk.

This guideline was developed collaboratively by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the American Heart Association (AHA).

Healthy Eating Research Megan Elsner Roth Deputy Editor-in-Chief stated, "Children under 18 should limit 100% fruit and vegetable juices, plant-based milks, and beverages with added sugars, sweeteners, or caffeine." She added, "The current recommendations are based on the latest research findings, and where evidence is lacking, expert opinions have been incorporated." She continued, "Water and milk are recommended; water is crucial for hydration, and milk provides essential vitamins and minerals necessary for children."

Only pure water with no flavor was recommended because the addition of flavor can alter the pH level. Lot stated, "Beverages with a pH more acidic than 5 to 7 can have a negative impact on oral health," and "sparkling water with a pH of 5 to 6 is acceptable, but adding flavoring can lower the pH to 3 to 4, increasing the risk of tooth erosion and cavities."

This recommendation also advises limiting beverages considered beneficial to health, such as 100% fruit and vegetable juices and plant-based milks, for children under 18. Specifically, it recommends that children aged 5 to 8 consume 118 to 177 mL of 100% fruit and vegetable juice per day, those aged 9 to 13 consume 177 to 237 mL, and those aged 14 to 18 consume less than 237 mL. Lot stated, "From a scientific perspective, these beverages may contain added sugars and provide unnecessary calories," and "The vitamins and minerals obtained from 100% fruit and vegetable juices should be obtained through fruit consumption."

It was clarified that plant-based milk cannot be a substitute for dairy milk. Lotte stated, "It's not that plant-based milk is harmful, but we want to emphasize that using it as a replacement for cow's milk can lead to adolescents not getting enough of the nutrients they need," and added, "If someone cannot drink milk due to specific medical reasons, we recommend fortified soy milk."

It is strongly discouraged to make children who dislike milk drink flavored milk such as chocolate, strawberry, or banana, because it contains sugar. The recommendation states that "flavored milk may contain more sugar than a can of soda or sports drink," and suggests providing unsweetened yogurt or cheese instead.

Beverages containing artificial sweeteners instead of sugar were also not recommended. Lotte stated, "The committee believed that the effects of artificial sweeteners on children have not been clearly studied," and "In adult studies, beverages with artificial sweeteners did not help with weight maintenance or prevention of weight gain, but it was confirmed that they could increase the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and heart disease."

Caffeinated or other stimulant-containing beverages are not recommended because they decrease sleep quality, raise blood pressure, increase feelings of depression and anxiety, lead to increased alcohol and cigarette consumption, and heighten appetite for foods high in fat, sugar, and salt.

<Source: Health Chosun>