Chemical composition of home-based fluids commonly used in Myanmar

ABSTRACT

Rehydration measure should be instituted as early as possible when lifethreatening dehydration state due to diarrhoea or severe fever is suspected or detected. Home-based fluids are usually given under such circumstance and thus chemical compositions of syrups (m=9), soft drinks (n=5), fresh fruit juices (n=3) and plant decoctions (n=7) were analysed by using published methods and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. High concentrations of total sugars (8.67 to 34.87 g/100ml) and free reducing sugars, mainly as glucose and fructose (1.97 to 21.49) g/ 100ml) were detected in syrups and soft drinds. Potassium was found to be rich in plant decoctions (34.08 to 273.10 mg/100ml) and sodium in soups (140.0 to 475.0 mg/100ml). Soft drinks were found to be acidic (pH = 2.76 to 3.63) whereas soups and plant decoctions have pH values 5.29 to 8.91. Colours used in syrups and soft drinks were found to be permitted dyes.