The currently recommended WHO low osmolarity Oral Rehydration Solution used in India for cholera and acute watery diarrhoea has a total osmolarity of:

• A 311 mmol/L
• B 275 mmol/L
• C 245 mmol/L ✓
• D 200 mmol/L

Explanation

The reduced osmolarity ORS recommended by WHO and UNICEF has a total osmolarity of 245 mmol/L, with sodium 75, chloride 65, glucose 75, potassium 20 and citrate 10 mmol/L. This formulation replaced the older WHO ORS of 311 mmol/L because it reduced stool output, vomiting and the need for intravenous fluids. Indian programmes adopted it following WHO endorsement in the mid 2000s.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.