Improving the ORS: Does Glutamine have a Role?

Diarrhoea continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world, resulting in an estimated 1.5 billion episodes and 1.5 million to 2.2 million deaths annually among children aged less than five years (1,2). Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) effectively treats mild-to-moderate dehydration due to diarrhoea and, for the past three decades, has saved millions of lives, mostly in developing countries. A crucial aspect in this decrease in mortality due to diarrhoea has been the widespread acceptance of ORT for the prevention and treatment of dehydration associated with diarrhoeal illnesses (3). However, despite its remarkable success, the currently-recommended oral rehydration solution (ORS) does not significantly reduce stool volume or duration of diarrhoeal illness. Thus, the search continues for improved formulations of ORS capable of lessening the severity of diarrhoea.