Gatorade Lyte is NOT adequate for rehydration after diarrhea
No, 480 mg of sodium (approximately 21 mEq/L) in Gatorade Lyte is insufficient for proper rehydration after diarrhea, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America explicitly warns against using Gatorade or similar sports drinks for this purpose. 1
Why Sports Drinks Fail for Diarrhea Rehydration
The sodium concentration in Gatorade Lyte is far too low - at approximately 21 mEq/L, it contains less than half the minimum 50 mEq/L sodium required in proper oral rehydration solutions (ORS). 1, 2
Properly formulated ORS must contain 50-90 mEq/L of sodium to effectively replace losses and leverage the coupled sodium-glucose transport mechanism that enables water absorption during diarrhea. 1, 2
Popular beverages like Gatorade lack the appropriate electrolyte composition and should not be used for rehydration, as they may actually worsen the situation due to inadequate sodium and excessive sugar content. 1, 2
What You Actually Need
For Mild to Moderate Dehydration (Most Common)
Use a proper ORS containing 50-90 mEq/L sodium - commercially available options include Pedialyte, CeraLyte, or WHO oral rehydration salts. 1
Adults should consume 2-4 liters of ORS to achieve initial rehydration, then replace ongoing losses with additional ORS as needed (up to 2 L/day). 1
Replace each loose stool with approximately 240 mL of ORS to maintain hydration as diarrhea continues. 1
Sodium Content in Diarrheal Losses
Diarrheal fluid typically contains 50-130 mEq/L of sodium depending on the cause - secretory diarrheas (like cholera or infectious causes) average 128 mEq/L, while other causes range from 53-88 mEq/L. 3
Your dinner's sodium content is irrelevant - dietary sodium from food does not replace the specific electrolyte losses in diarrheal fluid, which requires the coupled sodium-glucose transport mechanism that only properly formulated ORS provides. 1
When to Seek Medical Care
If no improvement occurs within 48 hours of starting proper ORS rehydration. 1
If warning signs develop: high fever (>38.5°C), frank blood in stools, severe vomiting preventing fluid intake, or signs of severe dehydration (altered mental status, rapid pulse, poor perfusion). 1, 2
The Bottom Line
Switch from Gatorade Lyte to a proper ORS immediately - the 480 mg sodium in one serving represents inadequate replacement therapy that could prolong your illness or lead to worsening dehydration. 1, 2