Can Drinking 16oz of Prune Juice Hurt You?
Drinking 16 oz (approximately 475 mL) of prune juice will not hurt a healthy adult and is safe and well-tolerated, though you should expect increased bowel movements and possibly mild flatulence or bloating. 1
Safety Profile and Expected Effects
The American Gastroenterological Association confirms that prune juice is safe with minimal adverse effects, and no serious adverse events have been reported in clinical trials. 1 The primary effects you will experience are:
- Increased stool frequency within 24-48 hours of consumption 1
- Possible mild flatulence or bloating (dose-dependent) 1
- Softer stool consistency due to the sorbitol and natural carbohydrate content 2, 3
Mechanism and Composition
Prune juice works through its high sorbitol content (approximately 6.1 g/100 mL) which acts as an osmotic laxative. 2 In healthy adults studied, prune consumption at 80-120 g/day significantly increased stool weight (by 22-33 g/day) and frequency without causing harm. 3 The 16 oz volume you're asking about falls within the safe range recommended by guidelines, which suggest starting at 8 oz (240 mL) daily and increasing to 16 oz if needed. 1
Important Caveats to Consider
You should NOT consume 16 oz of prune juice if you have: 1
- Bowel obstruction or ileus
- Need to follow a low-FODMAP diet (the sorbitol content may not be tolerated)
- Diabetes requiring tight glycemic control (prune juice contains approximately 42 g of simple sugars per 16 oz, though it does not cause rapid blood sugar spikes due to fiber, fructose, and sorbitol content) 4, 2
Practical Considerations
To optimize tolerance and minimize side effects: 1
- Consume the prune juice with adequate additional water to enhance the osmotic effect
- If you experience excessive flatulence or loose stools, reduce the amount
- Avoid consuming more than 16 oz daily, as excessive consumption can cause diarrhea and abdominal distention 1
Nutritional Context
While prune juice provides beneficial nutrients including potassium (important for cardiovascular health), phenolic compounds, and boron, 2 it should be considered within your overall dietary pattern. The Dietary Guidelines recognize that 100% fruit juice can contribute to meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations, though at least half should come from whole fruits. 4 The 16 oz volume represents approximately 180-200 calories from natural sugars. 4
The bottom line: 16 oz of prune juice is safe for healthy adults and will primarily cause increased bowel movements and possibly mild gas—effects that are expected and not harmful. 1, 3