Dehydration and heat-related illnesses are rising this summer, resulting in more people consuming energy drinks instead of ORS (oral rehydration salts) and ending up in hospitals has skyrocketed. 

Drinks with ORS on the label but not the World Health Organization-recommended ORS formula aggravate symptoms and confuse and mislead patients due to their high sugar content.

Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a pediatrician stated that the Drugs Controller General of India only certifies formulations that contain the WHO-approved formula. Any ORS must meet the specifications for production, packaging, and labeling.  According to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act misbranding is illegal and punishable. 

Most pharmacies have these tetra packs clearly displayed, but some companies are misbranding their energy drinks to get FSSAI approval, and selling them. These contain high sugar which worsens diarrhea and do not replenish salt levels in the body, exacerbating diarrhea, vomiting leading to dehydration, shock, and death.

These tetra packs, mention in small print - electrolyte drink not an ORS or not suggested to be drunk for diarrhea, but patients frequently ignore these warnings. The market in general is fully saturated with such diverse formulations of flavored and non-WHO formula ORS, further complicating matters.

Dr. Sanjeev Singh Yadav, a general physician, showed concern about patients who take them without reading the label. The amount of salts reintroduced by the body must be proportional to the amount of fluid lost and not extra. Excess electrolytes and sugar can be fatal for certain people. Diabetic patient who did not take his regular diabetes medication might end up in renal failure owing to surge in blood sugar levels. These tetra packs and mislabeled beverages can cause heart, renal, and liver failure in diabetic individuals.

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/energy-drinks-disguised-as-ors-worsen-heat-induced-illnesses/articleshow/100314742.cms)