The composition of home-made sugar/electrolyte solutions for treating gastro-enteritis

Five methods of preparing a simple sugar/electrolyte solution were compared. The mixtures were prepared by mothers in their homes using their own household utensils. The solutions were analysed for sodium and glucose concentration and osmolality. The mother's ability to use taste as a means of avoiding administration of a solution containing excessive sodium was also tested. The results show that half a level teaspoonful of table salt and 8 level teaspoonfuls of cane sugar in 1 litre of water provides a safe sugar/electrolyte solution. Taste is not a reliable method of ensuring that sodium concentration is not excessive.