Study on organe juice, orange juice concentrate, and orange peel oil in infants and children: With special reference to incidence of dermatologic and gastrointestinal disturbances

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2> Three hundred ninety-two normal infants and children (from 2 weeks to 6 years of age) and fourteen eczematous infants (a total of 406) have been given orange juice for periods varying from 2 to 12 months, in amounts from 1/4 ounce at 2 weeks of age to 8 ounces daily before meals. Seventy-five per cent of the infants were observed on orange juice for eight to twelve months. pH studies of frozen orange juice concentrate, fresh orange juice (extracted by two different means), and orange peel oil have been made. One hundred sixty-seven normal infants and children and fourteen eczematous infants have been skin tested with orange juice extract and with orange peel oil extract. Only 1.8 per cent of the normal cases were positive to orange juice; 5.3 per cent were positive to orange peel oil. The eczematous cases (as was to be expected) showed a higher positive reaction. There was no disturbance of bowel function (diarrhea or constipation) that could be attributed to the orange juice. The incidence of regurgitation was minimal, as was also the development of rashes which could be specifically traced to orange juice ingestion. Five and three-tenths per cent of infants showed positive reactions. It would thus appear that the method of preparation of the orange juice (i.e., maximal reduction of peel oil) is important. In young infants, graduated doses were administered for best results.