Variability in the composition and taste acceptation in two oral rehydratation solutions: alkaline limonade and sueroral hiposodico®

Objetives: To compare the composition variability of two types of oral rehydration solutions: A homemade sugar salt solution (alkaline limonade), and a commercial solution (Sueroral hiposódico®). To compare the taste acceptance of both solutions in children. Methods: Prospective study to evaluate the variability of Na, K, Cl, CO2, glucose, sacharose, pH and osmolarity in two samples of either rehydration solutions, prepared by parents of children who are over than 5 years old, from two paediatric practices. The children gave their opinions about the taste of both solutions. Results and conclusions: The content of Na and sacharose, and the osmolarity of the alkaline limonade had a moderate variability, and were clinically acceptable. However it had hardly any K and its pH wasn?t alkaline, but acid. Moderate error was found in the amount of water in both solutions. 78% of the children considered alkaline limonade better in taste than Sueroral hiposódico®. Alkaline limonade can be used for children with diarrhoea with little or none vomits but its use is not recommended in more serious cases.