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We were happy to have our voice included in yesterday’s story on NPR that described how citrus growers are managing through citrus greening and other market trends in today’s challenging environment. However, it is disappointing that the report included misinformation from Dr. Barry Popkin, a professor at the University of North Carolina, about 100% juice and health. His statement that “every study that followed people for more than a day has shown an adverse effect on cardiovascular health from fruit juice…” is simply wrong.

In reality, a considerable body of clinical and observational scientific evidence exists that supports a beneficial role for 100 percent juice – particularly orange juice – on some health or nutritional indicators, including those related to cardiovascular disease.1-5 In addition, consumption of 100% orange juice has not been associated with detrimental effects on markers of glucose or insulin metabolism, including risk for metabolic syndrome, in clinical2,6 or observational4 studies, or a recent meta-analysis7. Further, with respect to 100% fruit juice intake and weight measures:

The bottom line is that these and other supportive research clearly report nutritional and other benefits of 100 percent orange juice consumption.

References

  1. Basile LG, et al. Proc Fla State Hort Soc.2010;123:228–233.
  2. Morand C, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011;93(1):73–80.
  3. O’Neil CE, et al. Nutrition Journal. 2012;11:107 (12 December 2012).
  4. O’Neil CE, et al. Nutrition Research. 2011;31(9):673–682.
  5. Lui K, et al. PLoS One. 2013:8(4):e61420 (Epub ahead of print).
  6. Simpson EJ, et al. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2012:71:E182 (abstract).
  7. Wang B, et al. PLoS One. 2014;9(4):e95323.
  8. Cesar TB, et al. Nutrition Research. 2010;30(10):689–694.
  9. O’Neil C, et al. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2008;2(4): 315-354.
  10. Forshee R et al. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2003;54(4):297-307.
  11. Vanselow MS, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;90(6):1489-1495.
  12. Pereira MA et al. J Am Coll Nutr. 2010;29(6):625-629.
  13. Evidence Analysis Library (EAL), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dietary and Metabolic Impact of Fruit Juice Consumption Evidence Analysis Project. Available at: www.andevidencelibrary.com. 2014.