Rehydration solution: FSA Eligibility

Rehydration sports drinks, such as Gatorade, and solution with dietary supplements other than electrolytes are not eligible.

What is rehydration solution?

Rehydration solution is an eligible over-the-counter (OTC) product that is designed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes in the body as a result of illness or extensive dehydration. Historically, rehydration solutions were developed as a means of helping treat the effects of cholera and diarrhea-related diseases in developing countries, which were introduced in the late 20th century by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the group's List of Essential Medicines, also known as Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT).

ORT was developed as a less invasive form of rehydration than intravenous fluids, and in addition to being a means of treating the symptoms of major diseases, they are extremely helpful in treating the symptoms of dehydration and rehydration as a result of major burns. Rehydration solutions are typically formulated with water with modest amounts of sugar and salts added, in addition to eating a regular diet. In addition, rehydration solutions usually contain supplemental zinc, which assists the body's immune system defense, as well as playing a role in cell division, wound healing and the breakdown of carbohydrates (AboutKidsHealth).

In addition to their role in treating widespread epidemics and major disease outbreaks, rehydration solutions have an important role to play in modern medicine for individuals who suffer from influenza, stomach viruses and other ailments that cause a rapid loss in water and essential minerals from the body.