Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Sodium salts, particularly in the form of sodium chloride (table salt), are scientifically validated for use in the treatment and prevention of dehydration. The mainstay of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is the oral rehydration solution (ORS), which contains specific concentrations of sodium, glucose, potassium, and other electrolytes. The rationale is rooted in the physiology of intestinal absorption: sodium and glucose are co-transported across the intestinal wall, facilitating water absorption. This principle has been extensively studied and endorsed by major health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF since the 1970s. Numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that ORS containing sodium dramatically reduces mortality and morbidity from dehydration, especially in cases of diarrheal diseases like cholera and rotavirus infection. The scientific evidence is robust, with ORS being credited as one of the most important medical advances of the 20th century, saving millions of lives worldwide. The optimal sodium concentration in ORS has been refined over decades to maximize efficacy and minimize risks such as hypernatremia. Thus, the use of sodium salt to support and treat dehydration is not only justified by scientific evidence but is also a cornerstone of global medical practice.

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