Global Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Solutions, Tablets, and Powder), By Applications (Diarrhea, Vomiting, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Others) and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 - 2033

Global Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Market Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Global Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Market Size was estimated at USD 2.99 Billion in 2023
• The Market Size is Expected to grow at a CAGR of around 8.27% from 2023 to 2033
• The Worldwide Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Market Size is Expected to reach USD 6.62 Billion By 2033
• Asia Pacific is Predicted to Grow at the fastest CAGR throughout the projection period

The Global Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Market Size is Predicted to Exceed USD 6.62 Billion By 2033, Growing at a CAGR of 8.27% from 2023 to 2033. The market growth is attributed to the increasing prevalence of diarrhea, rising cases of dehydration, growing use of the ORS products as energy drinks, and rising oral rehydration therapy.

Market Overview

The oral rehydration salts (ORS) market involves the production and commercialization of ORS products used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or other medical conditions. Oral rehydration salts are also known as oral rehydration solution. The term oral rehydration salts (ORS) refers to a solution of electrolytes (salts) and carbohydrates (sugar) that is dissolved in water. They are used to replace the salts and water of the body that are lost during dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, or gastroenteritis. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is an oral fluid developed by the World Health Organization to improve the intestinal absorption of fluid and electrolytes. Historically used to correct dehydration and reduce mortality in diarrheal disease, and patients with severe bowel syndrome (SBS) have shown improved hydration. ORS stimulates jejunal glucose-sodium cotransporters to drag fluid across the intestinal mucosa, expanding the extracellular fluid compartment without changing serum osmolarity. ORS constitutes glucose, potassium, sodium, and citrate or bicarbonate base that maintains the metabolic balance during severe diarrhea.

In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially those in Africa, diarrheal illnesses have a major influence on public health. According to estimates from the World Health Organization, there are approximately 1.7 billion cases and 443,832 deaths among children under five annually. People in LMICs are especially susceptible to enteric infections due to poor diet, poor sanitation, a lack of access to clean water and medical treatment, and contaminated sources.

The increasing prevalence of diarrhoea escalates the need for ORS and its products, which drives the market growth. For example, the data provided by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) states that in 2021, diarrhea accounted for 9% of all deaths in children under the age of five worldwide, resulting in over 1,200 deaths per day and 444,000 deaths per year.

Several government initiatives are driving the market growth. For instance, the Ministry of Health and Welfare under the government of India launched the Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF). An Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) is observed during pre-monsoon/monsoon seasons to raise awareness about the use of ORS and zinc in diarrhea to prevent child deaths due to childhood diarrhea. Health workers visit households with under five children, conduct community-level awareness activities, and distribute ORS packets. Therefore, growing awareness of diarrhoea and the use of ORS among the population accelerates the market expansion.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market based on various segments and regions, forecasts revenue growth, and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyzes the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyzes their core competencies in each sub-segment of the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market.

Driving Factors:

Increasing prevalence of diarrhea and growing use of the ORS in the management of the diarrhea:

The need for efficient rehydration solutions has increased due to the rising incidence of diarrheal illnesses, especially in children under five. It is anticipated that government and health organization activities and healthcare awareness will increase the demand for ORS. The financial constraints in some areas frequently prompt people to rely on less expensive ways of treating dehydration and diarrhea, thereby rendering ORS a popular choice. ORSs are used to replenish water and salts lost as a result of dehydration followed by vomiting, diarrhea, or gastroenteritis, which propels market expansion. Diarrheal diseases, whether triggered by infections or foodborne illnesses, frequently result in excessive fluid loss and pose an urgent threat of dehydration, which propels market expansion.

Growing awareness of health through campaigns:

The market for oral rehydration solutions (ORS) is being greatly impacted by health awareness of the need to stay hydrated and the function that ORS serves in treating dehydration. Health initiatives and education campaigns are assisting in emphasizing the knowledge that ORS can be an essential resource during episodes of dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea, especially in low-to-middle income nations. It is anticipated that as populations gain awareness of the detrimental consequences of dehydration, including the possibility of death, the market for ORS is going to expand, resulting in more usage and healthcare uptake. Another aspect fueling market revenue growth is the rise in health awareness programs. Products like ORS are predicted to grow more in demand as people become more proactive in treating health issues and more health-conscious.

Restraining Factors

The extensive usage of ORS can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, availability of the hydration drinks, high processing of the branded products, less accessibility, and limited distribution vendors in the low- and middle-income countries may impede the market growth.

Market Segmentation

The global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market share is classified into product type, applications, and distribution channel.

• The powder segment dominated the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR throughout the forecast period.

Based on the product type, the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market is categorized into solutions, tablets, and powder. Among these, the powder segment dominated the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR throughout the forecast period. This segments growth is attributed to the cost-effectiveness, patient compliance, easy to store, customizable dosage, rapid rehydration method, replenishes water and essential electrolytes, oral route of administration of ORS powder elevates the usage, growing use of ORS powder by the geriatric and pediatric population due to the sweet taste and availability of flavors.

• The diarrhea segment accounted for the largest share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR throughout the projected timeframe.

Based on the applications, the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market is categorized into diarrhea, vomiting, and others. Among these, the diarrhea segment accounted for the largest share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR throughout the projected timeframe. The segmental expansion is owing to the increasing cases of diarrhea, extensive usage of the ORS, and effective choice for the management of the diarrhea.

• The retail pharmacies segment held the largest market share of 41.11[PV1] % in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR throughout the projected timeframe.

Based on the distribution channel, the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market is categorized as hospital pharmacies, online pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and others. Among these, the retail pharmacies segment held the largest market share of 41.11% in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR throughout the projected timeframe. The segment's growth is attributed to the retail pharmacies that distribute essential medical supplies like ORS, accessible to remote communities. They provide guidance on proper use and are affordable, available in various forms like pre-packaged sachets or ready-to-drink solutions. Pharmacists are trusted sources of advice in low-medical literacy communities. Some pharmacies participate in public health campaigns to reduce dehydration-related child mortality rates, distributing ORS either free or at subsidized rates.

Regional Segment Analysis of the Global Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

North America is anticipated to hold the largest share of the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market over the predicted timeframe.

North America is anticipated to hold the largest share of the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market over the predicted timeframe. North America is expected to see moderate growth in the oral rehydration salts (ORS) market due to established healthcare systems and increased awareness of their benefits. The US is expected to dominate the market due to high sports and outdoor activities, leading to increased demand for hydration solutions. The region's emphasis on innovation and product development is expected to contribute to market growth. The growing awareness of ORS applications in North America is expected to drive the ORS market significantly, as it has gained recognition as an effective solution for managing dehydration caused by gastrointestinal conditions and sports and exercise-related hydration.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR throughout the projected timeframe. The Asia Pacific region is experiencing a surge in demand for oral rehydration salts (ORS) owing to the high prevalence of dehydration-related conditions, particularly in low-income and rural areas. Government initiatives and international health organizations are promoting ORS as a cost-effective treatment, boosting demand. The market is expected to lead due to the high prevalence of diarrheal diseases, large population base, and government initiatives to improve public health and sanitation. Countries like India and China are contributing to this growth, with robust healthcare infrastructure and increasing awareness of ORS products among healthcare professionals and consumers.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Unicef
• Abbott Laboratories
• Ajanta Pharma Limited
• Novartis AG
• Baxter International Inc.
• Sanofi
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
• Procter & Gamble
• Himalaya Drug Company
• Cipla Limited
• Johnson & Johnson
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, Kenvue, the largest consumer health company globally, launched WHO-approved ORS in a ready-to-drink format for patients with diarrhea-led dehydration. ORSL, India's top electrolyte drink brand, is backed by science and expert recommendations, pioneering the ready-to-drink electrolyte category in India.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2023 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the global oral rehydration salts (ORS) market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Global Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Market, By Product Type

• Solutions
• Tablets
• Powder

Global Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Market, By Applications

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Others

Global Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Others

Global Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Market, By Regional

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa