Doctors recommend consuming electrolyte drinks to replenish the body's deficit of minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These drinks are available under various brands in many countries including the USA, Europe, and India. They are particularly advised to restore energy lost during excessive heat. Known as sports drinks, they hold special importance for athletes.
The absence of BSTI standards for electrolyte drinks in Bangladesh has led to a lack of approval mechanisms. This has caused difficulties for local manufacturers of electrolyte drinks and increased dependency on imports in this sector. This dependency posed health risks and adversely affected the country's economy due to foreign currency expenditure on imports. Recently, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) is moving towards resolving this issue.
BSTI has quickly taken the initiative to set standards and approve according to those standards. BSTI's Deputy Director (CM) Mohammad Arafat Hossain stated: "We hope the standard will be ready within the next week. Following that, any manufacturer can obtain a license from BSTI for electrolyte drinks from the next working day."
Sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium are all electrolytes. They help maintain the balance of water in the body. Sudden issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration can occur. To avoid dehydration, doctors recommend drinking electrolyte beverages.
Regarding this, Dr. Monzur Hossain Chowdhury, the sports physician of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, mentioned: "However, if you are an exerciser or an athlete, your body loses electrolytes through sweat. To keep the body fresh and active, a specific level of electrolytes is necessary. If you drink enough water and your urine color is normal, regular intake of electrolyte drinks is not required. But if you lose more fluids than you intake and become dehydrated, you will lose electrolytes. Signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine, extreme thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. At these times, you can drink electrolyte drinks, but in moderation and as per the rules."
Industry insiders believe that BSTI's new standards for electrolyte drinks will control the quality of products prepared by local companies. This will add a new revenue stream for the country and also reduce dependency on imports.