Clinical applications and limitations of a special formula for diarrhea in children

ABSTRACT

Diarrheal disorders in childhood are the second most common cause of child deaths worldwide. Nutritional rehabilitation is the most important factor among treatments when diarrheal disorders develop and has a general beneficial effect on the patient's condition, intestinal function, and immune response. Breast milk is the most nutritious food for treating acute and chronic diarrhea in infants. Until now, many infant formulas have been developed, and particularly, special formulas for treating acute or chronic diarrhea are commonly used. Lactose-free formulas, soy based formulas, and hydrolyzed and amino acid-based formula are typical formulas. In general, replacement with specialized lactose-free formulations is unnecessary in children with persistent diarrhea, and it has been reported that infants that are not severely compromised have food allergy and intestinal failure. However, a general knowledge does not always applied to all populations because the genetic, economic or environmental factors are different. Physicians should know about the components and characteristics of special formulas in order to coach parents to use these formulas properly.