Flashcard · Diarrhoea and Dehydration in Children

What is the role of zinc and probiotics in childhood diarrhoea?

Answer

Zinc supplementation (10 mg/day if under 6 months, 20 mg/day if over 6 months, for 10-14 days) reduces the duration and severity of diarrhoea and the risk of recurrence over the following months. Probiotics (e.g. Lactobacillus GG, Saccharomyces boulardii) are adjuncts to ORS that can reduce the duration of diarrhoea.

Clinical relevance. Zinc and probiotics shorten and reduce the severity of childhood diarrhoea as adjuncts to oral rehydration.

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Zinc and probiotics in childhood diarrhoea

These are useful adjuncts to oral rehydration in acute childhood diarrhoea.

Zinc supplementation

Dose: 10 mg/day if under 6 months, 20 mg/day if over 6 months, continued for 10-14 days.
Benefits: reduces the duration and severity of the diarrhoea and the risk of recurrence over the next few months.

Probiotics

Live microorganisms - Lactobacillus GG (best evidence) and Saccharomyces boulardii are effective; most other strains offer no benefit.
Known to reduce the duration of diarrhoea; used as an adjunct to ORS.

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