PJB-2003-108
A STUDY OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF COCOS NUCIFERA L. (COCONUT) WATER AND ITS USEFULNESS AS REHYDRATION FLUID
M. NASIRUDDIN KHAN*, MUTI-UR-REHMAN AND KHURRAM WAZIR KHAN
Abstract
Coconut water was evaluated as rehydration fluid in diarrhoea. Oral rehydration has been recommended in patients with diarrhoea to replace the fluid loss from gastrointestinal tract. To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the coconut water, the analysis of the electrolytes, Glucose, osmolarity and pH were performed in the local samples. This study showed high variability in coconut water composition during maturation and area of cultivation. On comparison, oral rehydration salt (ORS) and sport drinks would give more sodium and chloride than the coconut water; however, the coconut water would be absorbed more easily than ORS owing to the high level of glucose. The addition of table salt to the coconut water is suggested to compensate for the sodium and chloride deficiency. In conclusion, ingestion of fresh young coconut water, a natural sterilized beverage, could be used for rehydration during mild diarrhoea.
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