Diluted apple juice may be an appropriate alternative to electrolyte maintenance fluids in children with mild gastroenteritis, researchers say.

The Canadian study of over 600 children with mild gastroenteritis and minimal hydration found that those randomly assigned to diluted apple juice were less likely to require intravenous rehydration compared to children assigned to a electrolyte maintenance solution (2.5% v 9.0%; difference –6.5% (99% confidence interval –11.6% to –1.8%).

Hospitalisation rates and the frequency of diarrhoea and vomiting were not significantly different between the two groups, the research team reported in JAMA.

The results challenged the recommendation to routinely administer electrolyte maintenance solution when diarrhoea begins.

“In many high income countries, the use of dilute apple juice and preferred fluids as desired may be an appropriate alternative to electrolyte maintenance fluids in children with mild gastroenteritis and minimal dehydration,” they concluded.