Subject: Does the addition of sugar speed up the rate of water absorbtion in the gut

I have always been under the belief that oral rehydration therapy 
(ORT) could save millions of lives.  I have a book that says the 
addition of a small amount of glucose will speed up the 
abosorbtion of water.  A friend has told me that there is some 
evidence that ORT does not work. Is this true? Or rather is there 
any conclusive evidence that the addition of sugar or salt will 
increase the rate of absorption.


By what mechanism does the addition of sugar or salt increase the 
rate? 


Lastly, is there any advantage to drinking isotonic drinks like 
Gatorade?

Re: Does the addition of sugar speed up the rate of water absorbtion in the gut