It is important, especially in smaller children, that they do not become dehydrated when they develop gastroenteritis. There are many commercial drinks - like pedialyte - that are advertised for this purpose.
In a recent study researchers found that for children with mild gastroenteritis and minimal dehydration, dilute apple juice for initial hydration followed by fluids of the child's choice is superior to an electrolyte maintenance solution.
The treatment failure rate was lower in the juice group (17% vs. 25%). Although effective in all age groups, juice/preferred fluids was most beneficial in children aged 24 months and older.
So use of electrolyte solutions can actually lead to worse outcomes!
JAMA. Published online April 30, 2016. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.535
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