Rehydration for Kids
Parents often ask about dosing for kids, so let's take a look together.
In 2020, an Independent Review (non-industry funded) was done to look at oral rehydration solutions in kids. We wanted to summarize some of their key findings here before discussing dosing of Juice Doctor, in children.
Children generally have a higher body water content (60-75%) compared to adults (55-60%).1 Dehydration in children is a concern as their higher body water content makes them more prone to water, sodium and potassium loss during acute illnesses.1
However, oral rehydration solutions are considered to be prohibitively expensive for some patients (or their guardians) and often have an unpleasant taste.3 This may lead to dehydrated children being treated with other beverages which may not contain the optimal carbohydrate and electrolyte concentrations needed for rehydration.3 Other, often more palatable, oral rehydration options include water, clear broths, ice pops, and juice or sports drinks.4
Key Findings
One relevant randomized controlled trial was identified regarding the clinical effectiveness of half-strength apple juice followed by preferred fluids versus a commercially available electrolyte maintenance solution in pediatric patients with minimal dehydration secondary to gastroenteritis. Overall, half-strength apple juice followed by preferred fluids were found to be both non-inferior and superior to the electrolyte maintenance solution in the primary composite outcome of overall treatment failure.
The findings from this independent review, summarizes what we already knew from the 2016 New England Journal of Medicine Article by Freedman et. Al: the ratio of electrolytes in half strength apple juice is a reasonable alternative to hospital-based electrolyte solutions.
Other articles have discussed the importance of taste, and the concept that flavored drinks have been shown to increase consumption, and therefore improve hydration - Mangus et. Al, Pediatr Rev. 2019 Mar;40(3):97-107. It goes without saying that this is an important part of the equation for kids… because if they don’t like the taste, it is going to be a struggle getting any meaningful volume into them.
Parents ask us all the time whether they can give this to their kids. I think it’s reasonable to conclude from the information above, that the electrolyte ratio is safe and effective. If you are considering giving it to your child for hydration, we would encourage you to learn more about our ingredients and make a decision that is best for you and your family!
Education is a big part of what we are trying to do here at Juice Doctor, and we want to provide you with the tools to feel confident about the health decisions you are making.
Let’s take a look at the recommended daily intake of magnesium and vitamin D.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/
One scoop of Juice Doctor contains 150mg of Magnesium. In adults, 1-2 scoops per day is safe and effective, and respects the recommended daily intake.
In kids, it is a bit of a moving target based on age. Based on the above recommended daily intake, a reasonable option would be 1 scoop for kids ages 9-13, and two-thirds of a scoop for kids ages 4-8.
For kids ages 14-18, the recommended daily intake is similar to Adults, and the standard 1-2 scoops daily, would be reasonable.
There is no exact science to dosing – consumers will differ in their dietary amounts and absorption of magnesium. This is not meant to be prescriptive, more of a reasonable approach to dosing based on the evidence and recommended daily intake.
Now, let’s take a look at the daily recommendations for vitamin D:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
When you review the above tables, a reasonable dosing option for Juice Doctor, would be:
Ages 4-8: two-thirds of a scoop
Ages 9-13: 1 scoop daily
Ages 14 and up: 1 to 2 scoops daily
We give Juice Doctor to our kids because the electrolyte ratio has been shown to be effective, and the added Magnesium and Vitamin D respect the recommended daily intake at the appropriate serving size. It also tastes great and doesn’t have the unnecessary ingredients that you often see in alternative hydration options for kids.
At the end of the day, our goal is not to convince you that it works… our goal is to empower you through education, and to give you the tools to make the best health decisions for you and your family.
Come learn with us!