Fruit juices can have a number of hazards if ingested inappropriately. They are not an essential component of a healthy diet. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued guidance for parents about intake of fruit juices.
A fruit drink is not nutritionally the same as fruit juice and is not recommended.
In general whole fruit is preferrable to fruit juice in a diet.
Fruit juices should not be used:
(1) in infants < 12 months of age (unless there is a clinical indication)
(2) as a rehydration fluid or for fluid replacement in diarrhea
Hazards:
(1) bacterial contamination, especially if unpasteurized
