New solutions for oral rehydration therapy (ORT): a review

Abstract

ORT solution with the composition recommended by the World Health Organization, is one of the most important medical advances of the present century; it has, however, some drawbacks that may partly explain why it is used with a lower frequency than it is desirable. In order to overcome such limitations other substances have been tried for the preparation of OR solutions; the ideal preparation should both hydrate and prevent further dehydration, decrease the volume of stools and the duration of diarrhea and provide some nutrients. The following substances have been tried for the preparation of oral solution: glycine, glutamine, alanine, rice and other cereals, maltodextrines, protein hydrolysates and low osmolarity solutions; in light of the results obtained so far, these products offer no advantage over the standard solution.