Can oral rehydration solution be safely flavored at home?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the concentration of sodium, potassium, glucose, and osmolality of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) which have been flavored with varying amounts of unsweetened Kool-Aid powder, Jell-O powder, apple juice, or orange juice.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Alberta Children's Hospital Chemistry Laboratory.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Addition of varying amounts of flavoring easily available in all households to commercially available unsweetened ORS.


METHODS
Concentrations of electrolytes, glucose, and osmolality.


RESULTS
Addition of fruit juices or flavor powders to commercially produced ORS does alter the electrolyte content and osmolality. When limited amounts of flavoring or juice is added, the osmolality of the solution approaches iso-osmolality.


CONCLUSIONS
Small amounts of unsweetened Kool-Aid powder, Jell-O powder, and apple or orange juice can be added to oral rehydration solutions without significantly altering electrolyte composition and osmolality.
Nijssen-Jordan
C
C
Department of Emergency Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, AB, Canada.
D001628:Beverages; D002648:Child; D003681:Dehydration / Q000628:therapy*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000032:analysis; D005421:Flavoring Agents / Q000032:analysis; D005638:Fruit; D005947:Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D006701:Home Nursing; D006801:Humans; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D015532:Rehydration Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D012449:Safety
D004573:Electrolytes; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D015532:Rehydration Solutions; D005947:Glucose