Comparison of the nutrient content of fresh fruit juices vs commercial fruit juices.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the types and quantities of carbohydrate, electrolytes, pH and osmolarity of fresh fruit juices and commercial fruit juices.


METHODS
Forty kinds of fresh fruits available in Thai markets were analyzed for types and quantities of carbohydrate, electrolyte, pH and osmolarity and compared with previously obtained data for commercial fruit juices.


RESULTS
Most fresh fruit juices did not contain sucrose, whereas, commercial fruit juices mostly have sucrose in the range of 3-112 g/L. Although both fruit juices were acidic (pH varied from 3.6-6.7 and 3.2-5.8 of fresh juice and commercial juice), fresh fruit juices had a more neutral pH than commercial fruit juices. Apple, guava, orange, pear, and pineapple juices from commercial fruit juices had a high osmolarity compared with fresh fruit juices. All types of fresh fruit juices contained less sodium than commercial ones, whereas, most fresh fruit juices contained more potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium than commercial fluids.


CONCLUSIONS
The nutrient content of fresh fruit juices and commercial fruit juices from the same kinds of fruits are not the same, possibly due to the manufacturing process. Therefore, physicians should know the composition of fruit juices in order to advise patients properly.
Densupsoontorn
Narumon
N
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Jirapinyo
Pipop
P
Thamonsiri
Nuchnoi
N
Wongarn
Renu
R
Phosuya
Panarat
P
Tritiprat
Amornrat
A
Patraarat
Siriphan
S
Pidatcha
Pannee
P
Suwannthol
Lerson
L
D001628:Beverages; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003132:Commerce; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000032:analysis; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007223:Infant; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D013785:Thailand
D002241:Carbohydrates; D004573:Electrolytes