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. DESIGN: Descriptive. SETTING: Alberta Children's Hospital Chemistry Laboratory. PATIENTS: None. INTERVENTIONS: Addition of varying amounts of flavoring easily available in all households to commercially available unsweetened ORS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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.