Biochemical composition of oral rehydration solutions and their combinations suggested for use in Venezuela

We studied the electrolyte composition, pH and osmolality of six solutions for oral rehydration available in drug stores in Venezuela, and also their combinations with whole milk in a dilution of 6.6%. The solutions such as Pedialyte, Hidramilac and Hidramines showed an acid pH (4.30-5.10) in direct relationship to the concentration of carbohydrates (5% or more). Also, Pedialyte and Hidramilac had greater osmolalities (360-365 mOsm/kg) than plasma. Some of the levels of sodium and potassium in the solutions were found to be under the concentrations given by the producers. The combination of whole milk with oral solutions diminishes the concentrations of sodium and potassium in the mixture, changing the sodium-glucose relationship, pH and osmolality. The therapeutic implications for the use of oral rehydration solutions with low concentrations of sodium, acid pH, large content of glucose and elevated osmolality are discussed. It is concluded that the combination of whole milk with Sueroral (WHO) is not adequate for the optimum absorption of sodium and therefore to prevent dehydration. Therefore, except for the WHO solution and Oralite, other solutions are not adequate for the correction of the electrolytic and acid-base alterations present in infants with dehydration secondary to acute diarrhea.