Oral I.V. - Pros, cons, uses, etc.

[Irish]

I've seen "Oral I.V." on several people's lists of items they currently have or intend on purchasing for their BOB, prep list, etc. I'd like to know how people are currently using it, whether they're happy with the results, any downsides to the product and their thoughts in general.

I've also asked K.L. Davis, M4C Mod, to weigh in on the subject as well. I realize he works for Warrior Wound Care but believe his first hand knowledge of the product could be very beneficial to the members here on M4C.

Please discuss.

[just a scout]

At least it should be good for dehydration and hangovers. I'd like to see more to it also.

[Irish]

Their website, http://www.warriorwoundcare.com/OralIV/, and description.

Electrolyte and essential mineral replacement is crucial in restoring proper blood sugar levels, and is necessary for enzymatic reactions that promote correct blood volume. Without them the quality of performance during long-term or explosive short-term exercise decreases. ORAL I.V. has been formulated to provide Crystalloid Electrolytes and essential trace minerals to keep the body operating at peak performance.

•Promotes faster recovery from injury stress or strenuous exercise
•Quickly heightens concentration and alertness
•Supports neurotransmitter function in the brain
•Increases oxygen uptake at the cellular level
•Dramatically boosts energy levels and strengthens the immune system
•Raises osmotic pressure level of cells to keep them strong
•Increases body enzyme production
•Helps keep the body's homeostasis balance
•Aids in efficient removal of toxic body acids
•Enhances uptake of vitamins, macro minerals, proteins and other essential nutrients from natural food sources or dietary supplements
•Helps to reestablish healthy pH levels

[Sensei]

The best oral hydration solution on the US market is Pedialyte. It is cheap, available at every grocery / drug store. The grape and orange flavors are reasonably palatable. I see no reason to use anything else.

[Irish]

The best oral hydration solution on the US market is Pedialyte... I see no reason to use anything else.

Are you saying Pedialyte is superior to Oral IV? Please clarify what you're saying for the benefit of those interested in this thread. I'm interested in stocking an oral rehydration product due to living in the desert and want to find the best one for possible future needs.

[Sensei]

I've reviewed their website and noted that is seems to be marketed as a zero calorie "sports drink." My opinion is based on their comparison chart which has listed all of the major sports drinks, but omits the two most widely used oral rehydration solutions - Pedialyte and WHO Solution (not sold in US).

Maybe I'm missing it, but they do not publish the concentrations of electrolytes which makes it impossible to determine if the solution approaches isotonic to serum (serum is about 275-300 mOsm and rehydration solutions should run a little hypotonic for GI volume loss). This is the most basic, need-to-know information that goes into choosing a rehydration solution. They also add a bunch of trace minerals that are not really pertinent to rehydration but can be supplied in a much cheaper form by taking a Flemstone Vitamin.

Another tipoff is the fact that it is zero calorie. While many sports drinks have too much sucrose or fructose (athletic caloric needs vs. GI volume loss), some sugars are needed to shutdown ketosis in severe dehydration. Pedialyte has about 1/2 the calories of Gatorade, 2X the sodium, and 5X the potassium. This is appropriate to address low level metabolism while not creating an osmotic sugar load in the intestine that will worsen diarrhea.

In other words, Oral IV sounds like the piston AR of the oral hydration world - a lot of gemick with few avenues for spare parts when the SHTF. Contrast this with Pedialyte which is the 6920 of rehydration with a proven track record and plenty of sources for resupply. Pedialyte has won the "dustcover test" of the medical world for the past 30 years - I've never seen oral IV mentioned in a single randomized control trial.

[Sensei]

I've had a little more time to explore the product's website and my opinion has gone from seeing it as a a gemick to now considering it as using some dangerous marketing. The name "Warrior WOUND CARE" (emphasis added for effect) and "Oral IV" implies to the uneducated that it could be given to someone who has sustained a wound or significant injury. This notion is furthered by pictures of medical professionals carrying a patient on a litter and log-rolling a patient for a trauma assessment.

The truth is that no person with a serious injury (i.e. requiring a hospital) should be given ANYTHING by mouth.

[Irish]

Thanks for your insight!

[Sensei]

No problem. I hord bottled water, canned food, Cliff Bars, and MREs. Got enough to get me through about 3 months.

[montanadave]

I'll second Irish's thanks. An excellent no-bullshit answer that's sure to save some folks from buyin' sizzle instead of steak.