title: Comparison of the sodium contents of six commonly recommended oral rehydration solutions.
abstract: The sodium contents of six differently prepared oral rehydration solutions (ORS) were measured. A total of 452 solutions were prepared in our gastro-enteritis unit. The finger-pinch-and-cup method produced sodium values that were too high and too variable. The most acceptable sodium level was achieved using half a 5 ml medicine teaspoon or 1 level common household teaspoon of salt in 1 litre of water. Half a commonly available household teaspoon of salt caused sodium levels to be low but still acceptable and safe. We recommend that half a teaspoon of salt in 1 litre of water be used when preparing an ORS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical University of Southern Africa, Pretoria.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zietsman
authors.forename: I T
authors.initials: IT
authors.lastname: Hay
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dauth
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Dreyer
mesh_terms: D005440:Fluid Therapy; D015532:Rehydration Solutions / Q000032:analysis*; D012964:Sodium / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D015532:Rehydration Solutions; D012964:Sodium