Electrolyte drinks cannot replace ORS, warns IAP

Hyderabad: Amid rising temperatures, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) has warned against replacing oral rehydration solutions (ORS) with electrolyte drinks sold commercially, due to concerns about misleading branding and misuse, particularly among children.In an advisory, the IAP clarified that ORS and electrolyte drinks are not the same and should not be used interchangeably. The IAP emphasised that ORS is the most scientifically proven and effective treatment for dehydration caused by diarrhoea, as it helps the body to absorb water and essential salts efficiently. The solution is recommended worldwide for reducing illness and deaths linked to diarrhoeal diseases.Last year, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India barred certain firms from using the ‘ORS' prefix or suffix in product names, following nearly eight years of concerns raised by Hyderabad-based paediatrician Dr Sivaranjani Santosh. In March this year, she was served a legal notice by pharmaceutical firms for allegedly making ‘false and defamatory' remarks about their products on social media. The doctor has raised fresh concerns about the rebranding of ORSL to ERZL, citing potential consumer confusion and the presence of sucralose, which she believes should not be a daily consumption item for children. In its statement, the IAP further stated that electrolyte drinks are often marketed with similar packaging and branding to ORS, which can confuse consumers. However, these drinks are not designed for medical rehydration and may contain added sugars or sweeteners. The IAP warned that such products should only play a limited supportive role in the treatment of dehydration and should not replace ORS.