A 4 month old male has acute onset of diarrhea for 48 hours. He has mild dehydration. What is the most appropriate nutrition intervention for this infant?

• A. 1/2 strength infant formula
• B. Oral rehydration therapy
• C. Full strength soy formula
• D. Short course of parenteral nutrition

Answer: (B)

Oral rehydration therapy is the appropriate first step. In an infant with acute diarrhea and mild dehydration, the priority is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes while keeping the gut open to feeding. An age-appropriate oral rehydration solution provides the right balance of fluids, electrolytes, and glucose to enhance absorption, reducing the risk of progression to more severe dehydration and the need for IV fluids. It’s also standard to continue normal feeding (breast milk or formula) during rehydration to maintain calories and gut health.

Half-strength formula won’t correct electrolyte losses or provide reliable rehydration. Full-strength soy formula doesn’t address the fluid and electrolyte needs of dehydration. Parenteral nutrition is reserved for severe dehydration or when enteral feeding isn’t possible, which isn’t the situation here.