junior science refresher magazine
junior science refresher magazine Article was published in october In 2002 Dr Dilip Mahalanabis along with Dr Nathaniel F Pierce was awarded the Pollin Prize by Columbia University (considered the equivalent of Nobel in peadiatrics). Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are a mixture of electrolytes (salts) and carbohydrates (in the form of sugar) dissolved in water. o They are used to replace salts and water that the body loses when you have dehydration caused by gastroenteritis diarrhoea or vomiting. o The electrolytes are potassium and sodium. These components maximize fluid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. o The gastrointestinal tract relies on sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs) which are carrier proteins in the intestinal cells. o Cotransporters help move substances across membranes. o Specifically SGLTs pair together sodium and glucose transport in the small intestine. This allows glucose to increase the absorption of fluids. o Additionally sodium needs glucose to be properly absorbed. Therefore ORS contains both glucose and sodium. Since 1975 the World Health Organization and UNICEF have used ORS to treat dehydration due to diarrhea. o Its commonly used in countries with limited access to clean water or other hydration options junior science refresher magazine subscription
