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Nutritional management
The role of special milk formulas
Transient lactose intolerance is believed to occur in some children with gastroenteritis. This
has led to the suggestion that lactose-free feeds may be beneficial following rehydration. The
available evidence shows no benefit from such formulas in studies continued for up to 7 days.
There has also been a belief that cow’s milk protein intolerance may occur following gastroenteritis,
leading to the suggestion that soy-based formula may be beneficial. There was a lack of evidence
of clinical benefit from the use of this formula and so the GDG considered that it should not be
recommended.
Most children with gastroenteritis have diarrhoea for several days and it is important, provided
weight gain is adequate, that this is recognised as a normal phenomenon. To use specialised
formula feeds is unnecessary and expensive, and might cause parental concern.
Recommendation on feeding following rehydration
After rehydration:
• give full-strength milk straight away
• reintroduce the child’s usual solid food
• avoid giving fruit juices and carbonated drinks until the diarrhoea has stopped.
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