Liquid replacement in a lolly
New fluid replenishment for children now available
We’ve all been there – when we have a sick child with a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting and as parents, one of our main concerns is how best to replace all those lost fluids. What makes it worse is that often the last thing a sick child feels like is drinking anything.[1]
Fortunately, Créche Guard, South Africa’s number 1 children’s multivitamin and mineral supplement,[2] has launched a new product to assist with fluid and nutrient replenishment in children, in a lolly format. Créche Guard Restore Lolly is a unique oral nutrient solution to replenish, refuel and replace fluid loss in children and will no doubt become a welcome addition to your first aid kit at home and when travelling.
In children, fluid and nutrient loss can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or when a child is unable to drink due to a viral infection. Increased sweating from a very hot environment and intense exercise can also cause dehydration.[3],[4]
Water makes up over two-thirds of a healthy human body. Fluid loss upsets the balance of minerals (natural salts and sugar) in your body, which affects the way it functions. In fact, our bodies are affected even when you lose a small amount of fluid.[4]
Some of the symptoms of fluid loss in children can include:[1],[4]
- feeling thirsty and lightheaded
- a dry or sticky mouth
- few or no tears when crying
- eyes that look sunken
- dry, cool skin
- having dark coloured, strong-smelling urine
- passing urine less often than usual
- irritability
- drowsiness or dizziness
- in babies, the soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head looks sunken
Because infants and children have a higher metabolism and need more fluids and nutrients for their bodies to function, they are most at risk of the effect of fluid and nutrient loss. They also lose more water from their skin compared to adults and are sometimes unable to communicate when they are thirsty.[5]
These tasty, raspberry flavoured lollies are ready to consume and can be frozen or taken at room temperature, with no preparation or mixing required and comes in a gel-like consistency for easy consumption. They are also gluten, dairy and colourant free and are suitable for vegetarians.
Fluid loss if untreated can lead to dehydration. Children who are dehydrated should not be given large amounts of water alone as this can dilute the already low level of minerals in their bodies. They should rather drink small amounts of water, diluted squash or fruit juice more frequently.[4] Créche Guard Restore Lolly now provides another option to help restore that much-needed fluid and contains glucose, sodium citrate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride.
Créche Guard Restore Lolly is now available at leading pharmacies and comes in a pack of 5.
Remember that fluid loss can become serious if not adequately treated. Always consult with your healthcare professional if you are treating your child for dehydration and there seems to be no improvement if the dehydration is getting worse or should you have any other queries or concerns about your child’s condition.
Visit http://www.crecheguard.co.za/ for more information on the Créche Guard Products.
References:
[1] Kids Health.org. Dehydration (2017) at https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dehydration.html (Website accessed on 5 October 2019)
[2] IMS data August 2019
[3] eMedicineHealth – Dehydration in Children (2018) at https://www.emedicinehealth.com/dehydration_in_children/article_em.htm#what_causes_of_dehydration_in_children (Website accessed on 5 October 2019)
[4] NHS Inform. About dehydration (2019) at https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/dehydration (Website accessed on 5 October 2019)
[5] MSD Manual Professional version. Dehydration in Children (2019) at https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/dehydration-and-fluid-therapy-in-children/dehydration-in-children(Website accessed on 5 October 2019)