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).