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OJ Could Address Fruit Shortfall in Adult Diets

Dan Citrus, Orange Juice, Research

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While whole fruit consumption increased in adults between 2003 and 2016, the intake of several key nutrients decreased over time, a new study shows. Adding 100% orange juice (OJ) to the diet could help address this shortfall and bolster the intake of other key nutrients found in OJ.

A cross-sectional analysis using the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for adults age 19 and older found significantly higher intakes of the whole fruit. Despite that increase in whole fruit, the study found a significant decrease in the intake of folate, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin C, iron, sodium, and zinc over these time periods.

The study, funded by the Florida Department of Citrus, found that from 2003 to 2016 the amount of 100% orange juice consumed decreased by 42%, the intake of all 100% fruit juices decreased by 34%, while whole fruit intake increased by 25%. However, the intake of total fruit (fresh, canned, frozen, dried and100% fruit juice combined) did not change and continues to fall short of national recommendations.

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When examining intake amounts for 100% OJ, higher intake was associated with a greater likelihood of meeting nutrient intake recommendations for several key nutrients, including folate, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamins B6 and D, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. This study also found that OJ consumers had different dietary patterns than non-consumers and that OJ and other 100% juices were the key food sources contributing to higher intakes of calcium, folate, phosphorus, and magnesium. That suggests that the consumption of OJ and 100% fruit juices, particularly calcium-fortified varieties, could be a strategy for increasing the intake of those nutrients.

“This study supports what we have seen in previous studies, that 100% OJ consumption by …..

Learn more about how OJ Could Address Fruit Shortfall in Adult Diets on the Citrus Industry website.