Q: My wife and I have this unending disagreement about orange juice. I say to have our kids drink it when they have a sinus infection so that the vitamin C gives a boost to their immune systems. My wife claims that the juice is too acidic for the stomach to handle on top of the mucus drainage that goes into the stomach, thus upsetting the stomach even more.
I have never had this problem. Do some people experience large amounts of drainage to the stomach while others do not? Wouldn’t orange juice be good for any case scenario?
A: Without realizing it, you hit the nail on the head when you said some people really like the taste of orange juice, while others may find it too acidic. Keep in mind, however, that mucus drainage originates from the sinuses, not from the stomach. Therefore, children may experience an uncomfortable feeling at the back of the throat that may cause vomiting, rhinorrhea, wheezing, and a great deal more. And, an already irritated throat or stomach can be made much worse by drinking a juice that is acidic.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies one year of age should have a limit of up to six ounces of 100% juice a day. Fruit juices contain extra calories and sugar but lack the fiber that a fresh orange contains. An article that appeared in the journal Pediatrics in 2001 stressed that children who drink excessive amounts of juice are prone to diarrhea, gas, and stomach distension. And, 100% juice should be introduced to the system gradually since a baby who has never had orange juice prior may have an allergic reaction that includes nausea, upset stomach, a cough, difficulties breathing, hives, and watery eyes.
One of the conditions we have to keep in mind other than an upset stomach from too much acid is the affect the juice has on a child’s teeth. Too much juice has been reported to literally remove the enamel from teeth. The simple way to combat this is to dilute the juice with water. And, when making a purchase at your local market, be sure to get a juice that is fortified with calcium The child will still receive the preferred flavor with a diluted product and will bypass major dental issues that are sure to occur.
While you don’t mention the ages of your children, U.S. Dietary Reference intakes recommend toddlers between the ages of one and three receive 15 mg of C per day. Children between the ages of four and eight should receive 25 mg per day. Those between the ages of nine and 13 should receive 45 mg per day. Tropicana 100% indicates an 8 ounce (240 mL) serving provides 100% of a person’s daily requirement without any mention of age of the individual drinking it. The recommended daily requirement for an adult is 90 mg for men and 70 mg for women. Other products weigh in with varying reports.
The bottom line is that we could have a round table discussion with eight (one for each ounce) doctors, parents and nutritionists and would come away with eight different answers. I believe the best thing for children is to dilute the juice with water which will cut down on calories, help preserve their teeth, will be less harsh on their tender throats, and will be a safer bet when the discussion comes up at the breakfast table again.
