ArticlePDF Available

Young coconut water for home rehydration in children with mild gastroenteritis

Authors:

Abstract

Coconut water was evaluated as a home glucose electrolyte solution for well-nourished children with mild diarrhoea. We describe the chemical composition of coconut water by type and age of coconut (Cocos nucifera). Our results suggest that young coconut water can be used, together with early refeeding, as a home glucose electrolyte oral rehydration solution in the early stages of mild diarrhoeal disease, despite not having a balanced electrolyte composition. However, it should not be used in patients with severe cholera, or in patients who are dehydrated and/or in whom renal function is impaired.
... The high concentration of Na and K made it a good electrolyte and can be used in protection against dehydration and maintenance of osmotic pressure in the body. The use of coconut water in dehydration as a sport drink and in the treatment of a number of diseases such as congestive cardiac diseases, diabetes and infectious diseases has been reported (Bruce, 2005;Adam and Bratt, 1992). Na also plays a role in the normal irritability of muscles and cell permeability (Grim et al., 1987) while K is a major cation of intracellular fluid involved in protein synthesis, calcium on the other hand is an indispensable component of the bone and teeth. ...
Article
Full-text available
The phytochemicals and anti-microbial activity of coconut water on Candida albicans and Lactobacillus acidophilus and also its mineral composition were investigated for its medicinal potential. The study revealed the presence of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe, Ca, Na, K, Mg and Mn. The concentration of the elements in ppm were as follows Pb (0.058), Cu (0.012), Zn (0.202), Cd (0.028), Fe (0.109), Ca (0.368), Na (1.300), K (1.740), Mg (0.947), Mn (0.229). Saponins, alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates were the phytochemicals detected. The coconut water was tested against Candida albicans and Lactobacillus acidophilus using Agar well diffusion method. Inhibitory zone diameter ranges from 13-25 mm. The results showed a concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms. Inhibitory activity exhibited by coconut water against these microorganisms is an indication of the presence of bioactive compounds which can be identified, isolated and incorporated into modern oral care systems for controlling dental caries.
... Immediately following flooding events, traditional health remedies (e.g. green coconut water used to treat diarrhoea, cholera and dysentery; Adams and Bratt, 1992) are also used in the absence of other "conventional" response and recovery resources. ...
Book
Full-text available
GAR2022 explores how, around the world, structures are evolving to better address systemic risk. The report shows how governance systems can evolve to reflect the interconnected value of people, the planet and prosperity. www.undrr.org/gar2022
... Apart from electrolytes, many important nutrients are present in coconut water, such as antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, growth factors as well as other nutrients (Adams et al., 1992). Clinically, it has been proven that coconut water even has various medical benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antithrombotic, antipyretic, antihypertensive, diuretic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycemic, renal regenerative actions, and aidin wound healing (Shubhashree et al., 2014). ...
... The high concentration of Na and K made it a good electrolyte and can be used in protection against dehydration and maintenance of osmotic pressure in the body. The use of coconut water in dehydration as a sport drink and in the treatment of a number of diseases such as congestive cardiac diseases, diabetes and infectious diseases has been reported (Bruce, 2005;Adam and Bratt, 1992). Na also plays a role in the normal irritability of muscles and cell permeability (Grim et al., 1987) while K is a major cation of intracellular fluid involved in protein synthesis, calcium on the other hand is an indispensable component of the bone and teeth. ...
Article
The phytochemicals and anti-microbial activity of coconut water on Candida albicans and Lactobacillus acidophilus and also its mineral composition were investigated for its medicinal potential. The study revealed the presence of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe, Ca, Na, K, Mg and Mn. The concentration of the elements in ppm were as follows Pb (0.058), Cu (0.012), Zn (0.202), Cd (0.028), Fe (0.109), Ca (0.368), Na (1.300), K (1.740), Mg (0.947), Mn (0.229). Saponins, alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates were the phytochemicals detected. The coconut water was tested against Candida albicans and Lactobacillus acidophilus using Agar well diffusion method. Inhibitory zone diameter ranges from 13-25 mm. The results showed a concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms. Inhibitory activity exhibited by coconut water against these micro-organisms is an indication of the presence of bioactive compounds which can be identified, isolated and incorporated into modern oral care systems for controlling dental caries. Keywords: Coconut water, phytochemicals, Candida albican, Lactobacillus acidophilus
... Coconut water is naturally occurring, is very rich in potassium, contains sodium, chloride, and carbohydrate [9], and is viewed as the hydrating beverage of choice in certain parts of the world [10]. Clinically, coconut water may be used as an oral rehydration aid to replace fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract in patients suffering severe dehydration due to diarrhea [11,12]. It has also been used intravenously with success [13]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Sport drinks are ubiquitous in the fitness & sporting world. Most are artificially flavored CHO‐electrolyte beverages. Recently, attention has been given to coconut water, a natural alternative to manufactured sport drinks. We compared coconut water & a CHO‐electrolyte drink on measures of hydration & physical performance in exercise‐trained men (26.6±5.7 yrs). After a 60‐min bout of dehydrating treadmill exercise, 12 men received bottled water (BW), pure coconut water (VitaCoco®: CW), coconut water from concentrate (CWC), or a CHO‐electrolyte drink (SD) [20 oz/lb lost during the dehydration] on 4 occasions (separated by at least 5 days) in a random order, single blind, X‐over design. Hydration status (body mass, fluid retention, plasma Osm, urine SG) & performance (treadmill TTE; assessed after rehydration) were determined during the recovery period. Subjective measures of thirst/bloatedness/refreshed/stomach upset & tiredness were determined using a 5‐point VAS. Subjects lost ~1.7 kg (~2% of body mass) during the dehydrating exercise & regained this amount in a similar manner across all conditions. No differences were noted between CW, CWC, or SD for BM, FL Ret or pOsm (p>0.05). No significant difference was noted for TTE (p>0.05) between BW (11.9±5.9 min), CW (12.3±5.8 min), CWC (11.9±6.0 min) & SD (12.8±4.9 min). In general, subjects reported feeling more bloated & experienced greater stomach upset with the CW & CWC conditions. All beverages are capable of promoting rehydration. Little difference is noted b/w the 4 tested conditions for hydration or exercise effects as tested in a sample of young, healthy men. Additional study inclusive of a more demanding dehydration protocol, possibly utilizing a “no beverage” control condition, & a sport specific exercise performance test, may more specifically determine the efficacy of these beverages on enhancing hydration and performance following dehydrating exercise.
... Apart from electrolytes, many important nutrients are present in coconut water, such as antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, growth factors as well as other nutrients (Adams et al., 1992). Clinically, it has been proven that coconut water even has various medical benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antithrombotic, antipyretic, antihypertensive, diuretic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycemic, renal regenerative actions, and aidin wound healing (Shubhashree et al., 2014). ...
... Apart from electrolytes, many important nutrients are present in coconut water, such as antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, growth factors as well as other nutrients (Adams et al., 1992). Clinically, it has been proven that coconut water even has various medical benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antithrombotic, antipyretic, antihypertensive, diuretic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycemic, renal regenerative actions, and aidin wound healing (Shubhashree et al., 2014). ...
Chapter
Full-text available
This chapter discusses the potential application of Cocus nucifera (Coconut) in bioremediation to sustainably improve soil health. Environmental pollution over the years has adversely affected agricultural soils leading to low yield and food insecurity. Conventional and physical methods have proven expensive and ineffective. The potential use of coconut in remediation of waste water pollution and agricultural soils have been discussed in this chapter as well as strategies to achieve optimum bioremediation. The environmental impact of cultivating coconut has shown potential in different parts such as leaves, stems, fibers and shell or the whole plant in bioremediation. The strategy of incorporating coconut cultivation, as a means of alleviation of soil pollutions, and improving productivity should provide a new avenue to the agricultural practices.
... The authors concluded that coconut oil is potentially effective for treating obesity as it encourages a loss of excess weight around the abdomen and an improvement in glycemic parameters without any undesirable alterations in the lipid pro le (Oliveira-de-Lira et al., 2018). Adams and Bratt (1992) demonstrated that young coconut water can be used for preventing dehydration in well-nourished children with mild acute diarrhea who showed no clinical or laboratory signs of dehydration, when used in combination with age-appropriate foods. The trial was undertaken with 40 children, aged 6 weeks to 3 years, in Trinidad in 1991. ...
Chapter
Common names in Jamaica: Coconut , dreadnut
Chapter
Health-conscious people, all over the world, focus their attention toward fitness and have shifted their preference from caffeinated and sugar-based energy drinks towards natural alternatives. Coconut water is one of the universally accepted/appealing natural beverages for proper health and metabolism due to the presence of naturally occurring bioactive enzymes. Fresh coconut water is ideally consumed as a refreshing soft drink. However, many value added products could be made using coconut water. Coconut water is considered as an energy drink since it could provide an isotonic electrolyte balance when consumed. It is also being promoted as a natural sports drink, which can be consumed before, during, or after a workout to provide optimal replenishment and rehydration applicable for all levels of activity. Many research results are available on the potential/favourable use of coconut water in plant and animal biotechnology. Mature coconut water has been extensively used as raw materials in the preparation of Nata de coco and vinegar, which offer many benefits. Coconut water can also be used in production of various innovative value-added products such as lassi (tender coconut beverage), honey and coconut spread from mature water concentrate, soufflé, yoghurt, sugar, exopolysaccharides, docosahexaenoic acid, probiotics, coconut water kefir, Gama- aminobutyric acid, bacterial cellulose, carbon dots, mannosylerythritol lipids, dihydropyrimidinone etc. This chapter amply elaborates the potential and possibility of using coconut water in the production of array of high value products.
Chapter
Coconut is a traditional resource with many uses. It is experiencing a revival in interest due to the health benefits from numerous consumable products that can be derived from it. Processing of the fruit provides coconut milk, which is a basic ingredient for many traditional diets worldwide. Coconut milk is also a nutritious lactose-free substitute for cow milk. Further processing of the milk produces coconut flour and virgin coconut oil (VCO). Coconut flour is a gluten-free cooking and baking ingredient, while VCO is a nutritional and energy-rich supplement with medicinal properties. The fruit also yields coconut water, which provides a nutritious and refreshing drink with therapeutic applications. The coconut water can also be converted into nata de coco and coconut vinegar through fermentation. Nata de coco is not only a popular dessert but has also been developed for various biomaterial applications. Furthermore, coconut elite varieties, such as Makapuno and Aromatics, have been gaining popularity. Makapuno nuts are filled with galactomannan that has also been developed as a natural biocompatible material. Recently, coconut sugar extracted from the inflorescence sap has been gaining popularity due to its high nutritional value and low Glycemic Index. Biotechnology can be used to further enhance the utilization of each of these valuable products as food, nutraceutical, and novel materials. The coconut is truly a bountiful resource with numerous existing and potential applications.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any references for this publication.