ORS Branding Row Explodes: Doctor Slams Kenvue As Low-Sugar and Sucralose Debate Intensifies

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is one of the most important life-saving medical innovations, widely used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea. But a massive controversy involving branding, labelling, and electrolyte drinks has sparked a major public health debate in India - raising questions about ORS vs electrolyte drinks, sugar content, and consumer safety. Hyderabad-based pediatrician Dr. Sivaranjini Santhosh has once again raised concerns over an electrolyte drink which has been rebranded and is being marketed as similar to ORS products. According to Dr. Santhosh, the product relaunched by one of the companies bears so much similarity to the old one that it confuses consumers and retailers. She said that the new brand, marketed as an everyday

hydration solution eRZL, uses a four-letter brand name visually similar to the previous brand name, uses a similar font style, the same colour and layout, as well as the same photograph of a fruit, resulting in people still confusing the two.

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A post shared by Dr Sivaranjani Santosh (@drsivaranjanionline)

This confusion, she warns, can be dangerous - especially when treating diarrhoea in children. “They are saying I am spreading misleading and unscientific information. They are saying they have presented their hydration portfolio at PEDICON, APICON, RSSDI, and FMPC. How could ORSL with five teaspoons of sugar per tetra pack (110grams per litre) be a scientifically formulated hydration drink?” Dr. Santhosh said on Instagram. “If ORSL were a scientifically formulated hydration drink, why did they have to change the formula?” she continued. Dr. Santhosh said she has filed a trademark opposition for the new brand name, adding that the confusion further persists because the company, which was formerly the consumer health division of Johnson and Johnson, does have a similar tetra-pack of WHO-recommended ORS going by the previous brand name ORSL as well. Dr Santhosh fought against the use of the term ORS by beverage companies because they did not adhere to the salt- sugar ratios recommended by the WHO. It leads to more dehydration and diarrhoea in already sick children, something that could be fatal in the absence of timely medical care. She said that the company has also sent her a legal notice asking her to take down her posts regarding its brand.Also read: Hot Chai in Summer? The Surprising Science Behind How It Actually Cools You Down

Kenvue clarifies its stand

“Innovation is an important driver for us, and we have launched new variants to meet emerging consumer needs with varied hydration solutions. In the new eRZL, we have substantially reduced the added sugar content by 87 per cent with 1.4X more electrolytes to address everyday hydration needs,” Kenvue said in a statement to Times Now. The company added that the systematic rebranding of legacy stock of their drinks was undertaken with due regulatory permissions from the National Food Regulator. “The products are duly licensed and in compliance with applicable food regulatory standards, which are harmonized with Codex (a joint UN body of WHO and FAO). Further, wrong assumptions are made that people dispensing the products at chemists or outlets are not aware of the nature of the products and usage,” they added.

What is ORS, and why is it critical?

ORS is a scientifically formulated mixture of glucose, sodium, and potassium designed to rapidly rehydrate the body. It is especially crucial for children under five, where diarrhoeal diseases remain a leading cause of death. Health experts emphasise that ORS works because of its precise salt-sugar balance, which helps the body absorb fluids efficiently. Even slight deviations in this formula can reduce effectiveness, or worse, aggravate dehydration.

ORS vs electrolyte drinks: Key differences

While both products aim to hydrate, they are not the same: ORS is a medical product that has

• WHO-recommended formula
• Designed for diarrhoeal dehydration
• Precise electrolyte balance

On the other hand, electrolyte drinks are consumer beverages which are:

• Marketed for daily hydration or fatigue
• Often contain higher sugar or sweeteners
• Not suitable for medical dehydration

According to experts, using the wrong product in medical situations may delay proper treatment.

High sugar content and health concerns

One of the biggest concerns is excess sugar in electrolyte drinks. High sugar levels can draw water into the intestines, potentially worsening diarrhoea instead of treating it. Even though some brands claim reduced sugar content, doctors warn that these drinks are still not substitutes for ORS. Additionally, frequent consumption of sweetened beverages may increase the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. There are also ongoing discussions around artificial sweeteners like sucralose, though regulatory bodies have deemed them safe within prescribed limits.