A patented blend of amino acids will be part of the next generation of oral rehydration solutions, according to an animal study conducted by a team of researchers at Entrinsic Bioscience.
 
Sadasivan Vidyasagar, MBBS, PhD, led the team in its research, and presented findings at a plenary session during Digestive Disease Week in Chicago.
 
The study demonstrated that the blend of amino acids was more efficient in transporting electrolytes and fluids than the glucose-based oral rehydration solution (ORS) recommended by the World Health Organization. The formula also decreased epithelial anion channel activity and improved intestinal barrier function at a greater level. The two formulas were tested in animals which had diarrhea induced through cholera toxin.  
 
The findings represent a significant breakthrough in rehydration technology, according to the researchers.
 
“We are thrilled to announce the results of our latest research study and share statistically-significant data to demonstrate the superiority of this ORS in the total absence of sugar,” said Vidyasagar. “The findings not only validate the effectiveness of this amino acid product but also represent the next generation of oral hydration solutions and will inform our future development and innovation.”
 
Acute diarrheal infection is the cause of almost 700 million illnesses globally each year, and infectious diarrhea results in massive fluid losses, and is a leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity worldwide. In 1962, WHO introduced the first glucose-based oral rehydration formula, which saved millions of lives, and reformulated the ORS to contain less glucose and electrolytes in 2004.
 
The standard of using glucose, however, raised concerns, as sugar can aggravate bowel secretions and delay recovery, according to Entrinsic Bioscience. As a result of these findings, the amino acid-based formula will now be tested in patients with infectious diarrhea.
 
“This study builds on Entrinsic Bioscience’s extensive research demonstrating the potential for amino acids to be an important advance over sugar in oral rehydration solutions,” said Charles Mohs, president of Entrinsic consumer healthcare. “This preclinical study demonstrated the superiority of the Entrinsic Amino Acid-based ORS in increasing electrolyte and fluid absorption and improving intestinal barrier function.”