Journal of the American College of Nutrition
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The health effects of added sugars have received much attention, but few studies have examined the association between foods that naturally contain sugar, such as 100% fruit juice, and risk of obesity and related conditions. Therefore, our purpose was to study the association between 100% fruit juice intake and risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome in a representative sample of the U.S. population. ⋯ Compared with nonconsumers, those who consumed 100% fruit juice were leaner, were more insulin sensitive, and had lower odds of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The association with metabolic syndrome was explained primarily by other lifestyle factors, while the association with obesity remained independent. Experimental studies are needed to determine whether any direct physiologic link exists between consumption of 100% fruit juice and lower risks for obesity and metabolic syndrome.