DripDrop: Portable Hydration

Every once in a while there’s a product like Lifestraw and QuikClot, which, besides being extremely useful for travelers, have incredible humanitarian potential as well. In this case it is DripDrops, a patented powder designed to hydrate 34 percent more effectively than water.

This might sound like an unfounded scientific claim, but oral rehydration therapies have a long medical history. The first solution was formulated 2,500 years ago by the famous Indian physician Sushruta to combat acute diarrhea, utilizing rice water, coconut water and carrot juice. Such solutions were unknown to the west, where they developed IV therapy in the 19^th century to combat the loss of water and salt from cholera epidemics.

This technique was not always viable for those without access to medical facilities, leading various parties to develop oral rehydration therapies. Up until the 1980s, diarrhea was the leading cause of infant mortality before ORTs became widely used, proving to be extremely efficacious in combating dehydration. Dr. Eduardo Dolhu, creator, DripDrops, was himself inspired to develop a solution after working in Guatemala during the cholera outbreak of 1993.

Since then, DripDrop has become incredibly successful in expanding the use of ORTs. The product is based on the World Health Organization’s formula, maintaining a precise ratio of sodium, sugars and electrolytes to maximize absorption and shorten recovery time. Dr. Dolhu also managed to improve the flavor from a seawater taste to a sports drink, making it more palatable for children.

To learn more about the product and oral rehydration therapy, visit dripdrop.com.