An Open Triple Crossover Study Comparing Water Absorption from Potable Water, Lucozade, and Dioralyte Using the Stable Isotope 18O

Nine volunteer children aged 6–9 years were randomised in a Latin square design to receive one of three oral solutions [Lucozade (Beechams), Dioralyte (Rorer Pharmaceuticals), and potable water] labeled with the stable isotope O. After administration, breath CO2 was collected using a face mask for a period of 120 min. Mass spectrometric analysis gave the enrichments of O in CO2 at parts per million levels. Analysis showed the accumulation of the tracer (and, by inference, absorption from the gut) to be quickest from Dioralyte and slowest from Lucozade. We hope to use this technique to investigate the absorption of water from oral rehydration solutions in infants with dehydration due to gastroenteritis.