Theresa Nicklas, PhD; Carol O’Neil PhD, RD; Victor Fulgoni, III, PhD
International Journal of Life Sciences October 2018 – December 2018 (quarterly publication) 7 (4): 146-156.
An analysis of 24-hour recalls from children 1-4 years who were Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants or income-eligible nonparticipants in the NHANES 2007- 2008 and 2011-2014 (before and after WIC package changes). Despite a 50% decrease in fruit juice allotment from 288 to 128 fl oz. per day in the WIC Food package in 2009, this study found no significant changes in total fruit, whole fruit or fruit juice intake among children regardless of WIC status. There were no differences in the Healthy Eating Index-2015 total score. Subcomponent scores for “greens and
beans” and for “fatty acid ratio” were higher in 2011-2014 than in 2007-2008 in children participating in WIC. Scores for “sodium” were higher in 2011-2014 than in 2007-2008 in children not participating in WIC but income-eligible. The study also looked at the removal of fruit juice from the WIC package.
Key Findings: Data showed that the removal of fruit juice from the WIC package resulted in a 38-50% lower total fruit intake and had a significant negative impact on diet quality and nutrient intakes of children. This research supports continuing to include 100% fruit juice at the current levels in the WIC Food package an
