In fact, Caitlin Waddle, MS, RDN, LD, owner of Sprout Pediatric Nutrition, recommends electrolyte supplements for sick children who are losing fluids from vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating from a fever.

UNC Health, Duke Health and WakeMed Hospitals tell WRAL News that things like Gatorade and Pedialyte are being ... especially for pediatric patients, the painful IV stick," she said.