ElectrolytesHow is an oral rehydration solution different from a sports drink?
Updated 9 Nov 2026
Short answer
In one trial, the oral rehydration solution had more salt and less sugar than the sports drink: 45 mmol of sodium per litre and 2.5% carbohydrate, against 18 mmol and 6%.[1] The WHO solution for diarrhea has an osmolarity, a measure of how concentrated a drink is, below 270 mOsm/L.[2] For rehydration after exercise, a 2025 review suggests sports drinks with 4% to 9% carbohydrate when normal food is not available.[3] The NHS advises against fruit juice and fizzy drinks for young children with diarrhea or vomiting.[4]
Sources (4)
- Post-Exercise Rehydration in Athletes: Effects of Sodium and Carbohydrate in Commercial Hydration Beverages. Ly NQ, Hamstra-Wright KL, Horswill CA Nutrients, 2023. PMID 38004153
- Polymer-based oral rehydration solution for treating acute watery diarrhoea. Gregorio GV, Gonzales ML, Dans LF, Martinez EG Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2016. PMID 27959472
- Oral Rehydration Beverages for Treating Exercise-Associated Dehydration: A Systematic Review, Part I. Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Solutions. Borra V, De Brier N, Berry DC, Zideman D, Singletary E, De Buck E J Athl Train, 2025. PMID 38116803
- Dehydration. NHS, 2026. www.nhs.uk
More about electrolytes
What are electrolytes?Do you need electrolyte drinks every day?What are electrolytes used for?What are the signs of low electrolytes?Are electrolyte supplements safe?Do electrolytes help with dehydration from diarrhea?For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.