"Pink" diarrhoea: osmotic diarrhoea from a sorbitol-containing vitamin C supplement.
Sorbitol was the sole cause of protracted diarrhoea in seven children seen in two paediatric-gastroenterology outpatient departments. The sorbitol had been administered in the form of a vitamin C supplement in all seven children. Pink staining of napkins was a prominent feature in five of these seven patients, and was attributed to the cochineal dye contained in the vitamin C supplement. In children with chronic or intermittent watery diarrhoea, a careful dietary history should be obtained. If sorbitol ingestion is documented, a trial of sorbitol exclusion is recommended before embarking on extensive investigations.
D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003116:Color; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009995:Osmosis; D013012:Sorbitol / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013012:Sorbitol; D001205:Ascorbic Acid