Oral rehydration support
Oral rehydration support is not a culinary dish but a medical solution, typically a pre-packaged powder or tablet dissolved in clean water. It contains a precise blend of salts and sugars designed to combat dehydration from illness or exertion. This life-saving formula originated from public health research to treat dehydration caused by diarrheal diseases.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This solution is extremely high in carbohydrates from added sugars and contains significant sodium and potassium. It provides minimal calories, protein, or fat, with its primary purpose being the rapid replenishment of electrolytes and fluids rather than nutritional sustenance.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 20 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 5 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 245 mg |
| Potassium | 130 mg |
| Chloride | 195 mg |
| Citrate | 290 mg |
Per 1 packet (5.7 g) dissolved in 200 mL of water · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Its unique cultural significance lies in being a cornerstone of global public health, credited with saving millions of lives, especially children. Nutritionally, it works on the principle of co-transport, where glucose helps the intestines absorb sodium and water more efficiently than water alone.
