Ingredient
Electrolytes
What is Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and can be found in blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. Common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. They can be naturally occurring in certain foods or added to products as supplements.
Electrolytes are primarily used in products to help replenish minerals lost through sweat, support hydration, and improve physical performance. The health evidence generally supports their role in maintaining fluid balance and muscle function, although the optimal amount may vary depending on an individual's needs.
When you see electrolytes on a label, it suggests the product might be intended for hydration or recovery purposes, especially in sports and energy drinks.
Commonly found in: sports drinks, electrolyte powders, hydration tablets, energy drinks, recovery beverages
Benefits
- Help maintain fluid balance in the body.
- Support muscle and nerve function.
- Can improve hydration levels during physical activity.
Minerals typically classified as electrolytes are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption.
Research supports the role of electrolytes in hydration and muscle function, especially during exercise.
Electrolytes are typically derived from mineral sources, making them suitable for a vegan diet.
Sources: Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate
Scout's take
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
The case for
Provides basic hydration support during exercise.
from the analysis of C4 Sport Pre-WorkoutMore from Scout's analyses
Hydration support.
from the analysis of Jocko Go Energy DrinkFound in 2 products
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