Research conducted by a verified third party specialist osmolarity testing lab found that SOS had the fastest absorption, when compared with four competitor solutions: a pediatric drinks powder (2 variations of the same brand) and three commercial ORS.
Oral rehydration solutions were first developed to treat severe dehydration and diarrhea, in children in particular, in developing countries. The oral hydration guidelines set out by the World Health Organization state that all oral hydration solutions should have ‘a total osmolarity of 245 mOsmol/l’ or less to combat dehydration quickly and effectively.
Osmolarity is the term used to describe the concentration of solute particles in a liquid.
Solutions with low osmolality are known as hypotonic and contain a lower concentration of solutes, which means it’s easy for the body to absorb into the bloodstream quickly. The lower the osmolarity, the faster the absorption.
Solutions with a higher osmolality take much longer to absorb because they contain a higher volume of carbohydrates, which your body has to work harder to break down. Sports drinks like Gatorade and popular soft drinks such as Coca Cola have a higher osmolarity because the concentration of carbohydrate (and sugar) is much higher. This means they take longer for your body to absorb, so you don’t rehydrate as quickly.
ORS Formula
The recommended ORS formula, backed by decades of research by the WHO is:
Most competitors simply replicate this composition (and add sugar to make it taste sweeter!), while SOS Hydration provides an enhanced oral hydration solution. We have completely reformulated the solution with significantly less sugar and a lower osmolarity of 169.
What sets SOS apart?
Speed of absorption
SOS is super hypotonic which means you can benefit from (almost) immediate hydration. It dissolves much quicker than competitor products, so you don’t have to wait around to drink it. It also absorbs into the bloodstream much quicker, for fast hydration when you need it most.
Less sugar
SOS maintains the 1:1 ratio of sugar to sodium but contains 3 x less sugar than most competitors. Some people say it tastes slightly salty: that’s because it’s not full of sugar and fake additives, it’s the electrolytes you can taste.
Added magnesium and zinc
Both help to aid absorption but there are also other added benefits including immune system support, boosting muscle repair and growth and maintaining a healthy heart.
Less waste, cleaner taste
Less powder but more electrolytes, and no unpleasant residue at the bottom of your bottle.