“Pink” diarrhoea

Abstract

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.