EFFECT OF DIETARY FIBER (SOY POLYSACCHARIDE) ON THE SEVERITY, DURATION, AND NUTRITIONAL OUTCOME OF ACUTE, WATERY DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN

Objective. To assess the effects of dietary fiber (soy polysaccharide) on the severity, duration, and nutritional outcome of acute, watery c hildhood diarrhea. Methods. A total of 34 hospitalized Peruvian male i nfants between 2 and 24 months of age were randomly assigned to receiv e a soy-protein isolate, lactose-free formula with added soy polysacch aride (group SF, n = 19) or the same diet without added fiber (group S , n = 15). The consumption of formulas, stool amount and consistency, absorption of macronutrients, and change in anthropometric status were measured. Results. Children in both groups were initially similar wit h regard to age, nutritional status, and prior duration and severity o f diarrhea. Four patients in group SF (21%) and two in group S (13%) f ailed therapy because of recurrent dehydration or severe purging (P = .67). Formula intakes increased slightly during hospitalization (P = . 03), but did not vary by dietary group (P = .73). Stool outputs declin ed significantly (P < .001) during hospitalization, but there were no significant differences by dietary group in either stool wet weight (P = .83) or dry weight (P = .87). Estimated median durations of liquid stool excretion after hospitalization were 43 hours in group SF and 16 3 hours in group S (P = .003). There were no significant differences i n fractional or net absorption of macronutrients or change in anthropo metric status by dietary group. Conclusions. Soy polysaccharide, while not affecting stool output, macronutrient absorption, or nutritional status during acute, watery childhood diarrhea, significantly and mark edly reduced the duration of liquid stool excretion.