CeraLyte® Rice-based Oral Electrolyte:
A new way to prevent dehydration

New product prevents and corrects dehydration

Baltimore, MD, November 1, 1999--CeraLyte, a new rice-based oral electrolyte powder in packets (also known as "ORS"), mixes quickly, effectively and safely into water to replace precious electrolytes and salts lost during diarrhea. Packets cost less than $2 each to make a full liter (41 cups) of solution. CeraLyte packets weigh less than 2 ounces, and at room temperature, have a shelf life of two or more years.

Scientifically formulated by medical experts, CeraLyte blends complex long-chain carbohydrates with sodium, potassium and citrate in exact amounts that the body needs to restore fluid and blood volume balance. CeraLyte prevents and corrects dehydration with low osmolality and helps people feel better fast.

CeraLyte comes in three natural flavors (natural rice, chicken broth, and lemon). A recipe booklet and instructions come with each order, suggesting lots of ways to make the product suit every taste. Additional flavors will also be available later this year.

Diarrhea is a common result of bacteria, viruses, food allergies, and some chronic conditions including cancer, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's, short bowel, and ileostomy. When body fluids and electrolytes are too low, diarrhea can result in dangerous dehydration. If not corrected, dehydration can make people feel weak and shaky, collapse, and can be serious enough to require hospitalization to prevent death. Fluids that should be used during diarrhea are those that are similar in composition to what the body lost. Sugary drinks or juices may actually increase fluid losses and water alone does not have electrolytes, which the body needs.

CeraLyte has the balanced formula to do the job and the carbohydrate profile to do it quickly. Other uses for CeraLyte , include situations where increased blood volume can help. For example, for cancer patients, CeraLyte is helpful to increase blood vessel volume to help them better tolerate blood tests and insertion of needles for chemotherapy, while also acting as a preventive for dehydration. CeraLyte is also helpful for individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), neurally mediated hypotension, and others who need blood volume at peak levels.

CeraLyte ORS is fast-acting and effective, and is far less expensive than ready-to-drink electrolyte solutions. The formula is all natural, made from whole rice and contains no fat; packets are portable, discrete and easy to store (weighs less than 2 oz and has a 2+ year shelf life). CeraLyte is manufactured in the United States under GMP, USDA/FDA requirements, and has been given Kosher OU certification.

For more information about CeraLyte, call Cera Products, Inc., toll free at 1.888.CERALYTE (1.888.237.2598).

Cera Products Press Contact

Charlene Riikonen
410.309.1000 or charlene.riikonen@ceraproducts.us

Cera Products Inc.

Cera Products Inc. is a Maryland-based biotechnology company. Founded by Ms. Charlene Riikonen and Johns Hopkins University physicians Dr. William Greenough and Dr. David Sack, Cera develops, manufactures and distributes high-performance, proprietary rice-based oral rehydration solutions (ORS). The company's mission is to save lives, improve quality of life, and reduce health care costs associated with dehydration worldwide. For more information, visit the Cera Products website at www.ceraproductsinc.com.

###