health
May 4, 2026
Young people in Medellin are combining serums, energizers, and alcohol: authorities issue a warning
Young people in Medellin are making a mix that can be explosive and fatal for the body a habit: the combined use of oral hydration and rehydration serums, as well as energizers with liquor.
TL;DR
- Young people in Medellín are mixing oral rehydration serums and energy drinks with alcohol.
- This combination can cause kidney overload due to high sodium, glucose, and electrolyte content.
- The practice poses particular risks for individuals with heart disease, kidney disease, or hypertension.
- These mixtures do not reduce the toxic effects of alcohol.
- A false sense of recovery can lead to increased alcohol consumption.
- Rehydration serums are intended for athletes during intense physical activity or for medical conditions like vomiting and diarrhea, not general consumption or counteracting alcohol.
- Health authorities prohibit the sale of serums in bars, clubs, festivals, or mass events as recreational beverages.
- Health authorities recommend hydration with potable water and consuming carbohydrate and protein-rich foods before drinking alcohol.