Which option can be used to enhance the absorption of fluids?

• A. Glucose and sodium oral rehydration solution
• B. Salty rice water
• C. Plain water
• D. Carbonated beverage

Answer: (A)

The body’s fastest way to absorb fluids in the gut uses glucose with sodium. Glucose enables sodium to be absorbed through the SGLT1 transporters in the intestinal lining, and water follows sodium by osmosis. So an oral rehydration solution that contains both glucose and sodium optimizes this active transport, leading to more rapid and effective rehydration. The other options don’t provide that optimal glucose-sodium mix: plain water lacks electrolytes to stimulate absorption, salty rice water isn’t formulated to maximize the glucose-sodium transport mechanism, and carbonated beverages can have variable sugar content and may irritate the gut, making them less reliable for rapid fluid absorption.