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Efficacy of milk-based diets in persistent diarrhea: a randomized, controlled trial
S Bhatnagar1, M K Bhan, K D Singh
1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Pediatrics
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Modest milk intake in a mixed diet is well tolerated by children with persistent diarrhea (PD). This study found no significant increase in stool output or diarrhea duration when milk was included in cereal-based diets for PD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Diarrheal Diseases
Background:
- Previous research indicated increased stool output in children with persistent diarrhea (PD) when milk was the primary nutrition source.
- The tolerance of milk in smaller quantities within a mixed diet for PD has not been extensively studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of milk consumed in modest amounts as part of a mixed diet in children diagnosed with persistent diarrhea (PD).
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 116 children aged 3-24 months with diarrhea lasting 14 days to 12 weeks.
- Participants were assigned to either a milk-based or milk-free isocaloric cereal dietary regimen, with milk constituting approximately 30% of calories in the milk-cereal group.
- Stool output, weight gain, and duration of diarrhea were monitored over 120 hours.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in median stool output was observed between the milk-cereal and milk-free groups during 0-48 hour and 0-120 hour periods.
- Weight gain percentages were comparable between the two dietary groups.
- Treatment failure rates were similar, with 17% in the milk-cereal group and 23.6% in the milk-free group.
Conclusions:
- Modest consumption of milk as part of a mixed, cereal-based diet is well-tolerated in children suffering from persistent diarrhea (PD).
- These findings challenge previous notions and support the inclusion of limited milk in the dietary management of PD.