Composition of Oral Rehydration Salt (WHO Standard Formulation)
1. Sodium Chloride (common salt) = 3.5 g
2. Glucose = 20 g
3. Trisodium Citrate = 2.9 g or sodium bicarbonate = 2.5 g
4. Potassium chloride = 1.5 g.
5. Dissolved in a litre of potable water.
This solution provides (g per litre of water):
1. Glucose (g1100 ml) = 2 (provides energy)
2. Sodium (mEq/L) = 90 (favours rehydration)
3. Potassium (mEq/L) = 20 (prevents acidosis)
4. Chloride ( mEq/L) = 80 (favours rehydration)
5. Bicarbonale (mEq/L) = 30 (builds base reserves)
6. Osmolality (mO sm/L) = 330 (maintains osmotic balance and favours early rehydration).