Good vs bad electrolytes
Electrolytes are essential for hydration, nerve signalling, and muscle function, but not all electrolyte products are created equal. From excessive sugars to unnecessary fillers, the quality of what's inside your hydration mix can significantly impact your health and performance. So how do you tell the difference between a good electrolyte product and a not-so-great one? Let’s break it down.
Good vs. bad electrolytes
A high-quality electrolyte blend features clean, functional ingredients and well-balanced mineral ratios. Look for products that provide essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium in clinically relevant amounts.
| Good electrolytes | Bad electrolytes |
|
Balanced sodium:potassium:magnesium ratios |
Sugar and excess sugar (more than 4-5g per serving) |
| Minimal ingredients with clear labelling |
Artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame |
| No unnecessary additives |
Synthetic dyes or flavouring agents |
| Clean sources, often plant-based or naturally derived |
Long, chemical-sounding ingredient lists |
Natural vs. synthetic electrolytes
Natural sources of electrolytes include coconut water, watermelon juice, and pink Himalayan sea salt. These options provide a range of minerals in a bioavailable form and often come with other beneficial phytonutrients. Try to have these in your diet as they are often difficult to incorporate into a supplement.
Synthetic formulations can be more concentrated and shelf stable. Be careful though because they can include unnecessary ingredients or imbalanced mineral ratios that may lead to bloating, GI upset, or suboptimal hydration. Check the ingredients and only buy from a reputable company.
Sweeteners in electrolytes
Sweeteners are commonly added to electrolyte drinks to improve taste and encourage people to drink more fluids, especially during prolonged exercise or illness. But that doesn’t mean they’re always necessary or beneficial.
Problems with artificial sweeteners:
- Disrupt gut microbiota
- Leave a lingering aftertaste
- May increase cravings for sweets
Better alternatives:
- No sweeteners or stevia at all (if the mineral taste is tolerable)
- Lightly sweetened with natural fruit powders (e.g. lemon, raspberry, orange, pineapple).
- Monk fruit—in moderation and from high-quality sources
Other ingredients to watch for
Flavourings: Choose products with natural flavourings like citrus or fruit extracts. Avoid artificial flavours, which are often petroleum-derived.
Preservatives: Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and similar preservatives may be included in ready-to-drink options. Powdered forms typically have fewer preservatives.
Anti-caking agents or fillers: Used in some powders or tablets, these may dilute the product or cause digestive discomfort. Buy from a reputable supplement company that doesn’t use these.
How to choose a high-quality electrolyte product
- Check the ingredient list: The shorter and more recognisable, the better. Aim for transparency—you should know what each ingredient does.
- Evaluate electrolyte content:
-
- Sodium: Key for fluid retention—aim for 200–800 mg depending on sweat loss.
- Potassium: Crucial for nerve and muscle function—100–300 mg per serving is typical.
- Magnesium: Supports muscle relaxation and energy—60 - 200mg per serving is a good range.
- Consider your activity level: Endurance athletes may need higher sodium, while everyday use may require a lighter formulation.
- Choose the right format: Powders generally offer cleaner profiles than ready-to-drink options, with less sugar and fewer preservatives.
Summary
Understanding what’s inside your electrolyte supplement helps you hydrate smarter. Choose products that match your personal needs, avoid artificial extras, and support your health beyond hydration. Clean ingredients, proper mineral balance, and minimal processing are the hallmarks of a truly high-quality electrolyte product.
You may be interested in trying our Hydrate+ Electrolytes. Hydrate+ provides the optimal balance of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids to deliver everything your body needs for effective hydration, fluid balance, energy, focus, muscle performance, endurance, and recovery. It includes Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and L-Taurine, with zero sugar, stevia or artificial sweeteners.
View our range of award-winning probiotics, vitamins and supplements.
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