Dietary management of acute diarrhea: Fast or feed?

J. A. Bezerra, B. Duncan, J. Udall

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Infants and children with acute diarrhea (AD) have impaired intestinal absorption and negative nitrogen balance. This has an adverse impact on nutritional status. The traditional dietary management of fasting infants and children for 24 to 48 hours and slowly reinstituting the usual diet further compromises nutritional status. A review of the effects of AD, fasting and refeeding on intestinal epithelial cell physiology supports the concept that early feeding during AD is advantageous. Recent clinical studies strongly suggest that infants and children with acute diarrhea should not be fasted but fed early. This regimen is associated with an improved nutritional outcome and clinical course.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)30-36
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Pediatrics
Volume5
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1990

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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