Washington, May 23 (ANI): A new study by researchers at the Louisiana State University and Baylor College of Medicine has found that fruit juices dont make kids overweight.

During the review, the researchers evaluated 21 studies about a relationship between consumption of 100% fruit juice by children and adolescents and weight.

They found there is no systematic association between consumption of 100% fruit juice and overweight in children or adolescents.

Health professionals and policy makers should be encouraged to objectively review the literature on all beverages and encourage consumption of healthful beverages including water, milk, and 100% fruit juice, said the authors.

The data support the consumption of 100% fruit juice in moderate amounts, and this may be an important strategy to help children meet the current recommendations for fruit, they added.

The rising epidemic of overweight and obese children should be a cause for great concern amongst healthcare professionals and the public at large, said James M. Rippe, cardiologist and Editor in Chief of AJLM.

The findings that the consumption of 100% juice by children and adolescents is not associated with overweight is very important since 100% fruit juices are nutrient dense and their consumption represents an excellent way to help children meet the dietary guidelines for Americans, he added.

The authors of the study are Carol E. ONeil, PhD, MPH, LDN, RD, Louisiana State University, and Theresa A. Nicklas, DrPH, USDA/ARS Childrens Nutrition Research Centre, Baylor College of Medicine.

The study appears in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. (ANI)