6 Best Electrolyte Supplements for Athletes: Drops, Powders & More
Electrolyte supplements are crucial for athletes to replenish minerals lost during intense exercise and prevent dehydration. Explore our top picks and find the best one for your needs.
Published June 3, 2024.
Proper hydration is absolutely essential for athletes who push their bodies to the limits through grueling training and competitions. However, simply guzzling water alone is often not enough to replenish the electrolytes lost through sweat.
Electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, and even dangerous conditions like hyponatremia. Finding the right electrolyte supplement is crucial, but the options on the market can be overwhelming.
For the elite athlete or weekend warrior, choosing the wrong supplement could mean the difference between peak performance and a depleted bonk. That's why we prepared a list of the best ones to power your body.
Our 6 Best Electrolyte Supplements for Athletes
- Best overall supplement for athletes - MAYU Electrolyte Drops
- Best electrolyte powder - Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel
- Best capsule supplement for athletes - SaltStick Electrolyte Caps
- Best sugar-free electrolyte supplement - Keto Chow Drops
- Best electrolyte tablet supplement - Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets
- Best vegan electrolyte supplement - Biosteel Hydration Mix
Why Use Electrolyte Supplements?
Electrolyte supplements can be beneficial in certain situations. For example, Sweating is a natural way to cool down, but it also leads to electrolyte loss. Electrolyte supplements can help replenish these minerals and prevent issues like muscle cramps, fatigue, and dizziness.
Similar to exercise, hot weather can cause excessive sweating and electrolyte depletion. Supplementation can be helpful if you're spending extended periods outdoors in hot climates.
1
MAYU Minerals | Electrolyte Drops
Replenish, refresh, recharge
Price
$25
Content
Magnesium, chloride, low sodium, 72 organic ionic trace minerals
Volume
1 fl oz /30 mL
Brief overview
Mayu Minerals' Electrolyte Drops are made from organic ingredients, with 75 minerals to support optimal body performance. To use, simply mix 40 drops into a liter (34 oz) of water and enjoy.
Why choose MAYU Electrolyte Drops
MAYU Electrolyte Drops are the best overall supplement for athletes because they offer a great balance of quality and value. The natural ingredients and the lack of additives make it an excellent source of minerals that can benefit even people with arthritis inflammation and joint pain.
Pros and cons
Organic ingredients
Provides 75 different minerals
No additives
Requires proper dosing to avoid mineral overload
The taste might be less appealing to some people
2
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel
Price
$39.99
Content
Sea salt, potassium, calcium, magnesium, flavoring
Volume
1 scoop/serving (30 servings/bag)
Brief overview
Tailwind Nutrition's Endurance Fuel is a power-packed electrolyte blend. Add it to your clean water and benefit from hydration without stomach discomfort. Each 100-calorie Serving contains 25g of added sugar (from non-GMO dextrose and cane sugar).
Simply add one scoop to 24 oz of water and shake. With seven flavors—two of which contain caffeine—this product keeps your hydration routine practical.
Why choose Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel
We believe that Tailwind Nutrition's Endurance Fuel is the best hydration powder for athletes. It's a fuel source that supports endurance, striking the perfect balance between price, flavor, and effectiveness.
Plus, it uses dextrose and sucrose, so it enters your bloodstream quickly without challenging the digestive system or causing stomach issues.
Pros and cons
Easy to mix with water
Multiple flavors for variety
Specially designed for endurance
Might not be suitable for those sensitive to taste
Powder might clump if not stored correctly
3
SaltStick Electrolyte Caps
Price
$24.99
Content
Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D
Volume
100 capsules/bottle
Brief overview
SaltStick's Electrolyte Caps are a nifty solution for athletes. Packed with five essential minerals and a whopping 30 mg of caffeine per serving, they're designed to combat fatigue and maintain electrolyte balance during long workouts.
Why choose SaltStick Electrolyte Caps
In our opinion, SaltStick's Electrolyte Caps offer a convenient source of essential minerals and effectively help to reduce muscle cramping and heat stress. They're a must-have in any athlete's toolkit.
They're also regularly tested for banned substances under the Informed Choice program. They go through a rigorous, accredited four-step certification and testing process to provide the highest level of assurance.
Pros and cons
Convenient and easy to carry
Five essential electrolytes in one capsule
Slow electrolyte release
Not as immediate in effect as liquid solutions
Might be harder to swallow for some
4
Keto Chow Drops
Price
$13
Content
Magnesium, chloride, potassium
Volume
4 fl oz/120ml
Brief overview
Keto Chow Drops are the best electrolyte supplement for athletes on a keto diet. Those on this eating regimen tend to lose electrolytes, which are important minerals that help regulate fluids and nerve impulses.
These drops are intended to replenish these lost electrolytes and help prevent symptoms of the keto flu, such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps.
Why choose Keto Chow Drops
The minerals in Keto Chow Drops come from Utah's Great Salt Lake, where they are found in a naturally bioavailable ionic form, which may be easier for your body to absorb.
They're also free from artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and fillers. This is ideal for those who want a clean and simple product.
Pros and cons
Natural and bioavailable electrolytes
Clean and keto-friendly
Portable and versatile
Requires careful dosage
Might have a strong mineral taste
5
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets
Price
$7.49
Content
Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and more
Volume
1 tablet/serving (10 tablets/tube)
Brief overview
Nuun electrolyte tablets dissolve in water to create a sports drink. They're designed for hydration during exercise, containing electrolytes and a small amount of carbohydrates for energy. They're also gluten-free, vegan, and Kosher certified.
Why choose Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets
Nuun offers a broader variety of flavors than many competitors, with over 12 flavors to choose from. This caters to a wider range of preferences and helps avoid flavor fatigue.
Pros and cons
Clean ingredients and fun flavors
Quick recovery after workouts
Easy to use, dissolves in water
Flavor might be too mild for some
Tablets might break if not handled with care
6
Biosteel Hydration Mix
Price
$29.99
Content
Sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium
Volume
0.24 fl oz or 7 grams/packet (24 packets/box)
Brief overview
BioSteel's Hydration Mix is probably the best sugar-free electrolyte supplement on the market. You can choose from over ten flavors and enjoy hydration without the extra calories. Simply mix one scoop/packet with 8-16 oz water.
Why choose Biosteel Hydration Mix
Biosteel Hydration Mix is vegan-friendly. It doesn't contain any animal products and is free of milk, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, egg, fish, crustacean/shellfish, or wheat ingredients. It is also manufactured in a facility that avoids these common allergens during production.
Pros and cons
Sugar-free and available in multiple flavors
High-quality ingredients
Contains B vitamins for added energy support
Might need more than one packet for high-intensity workouts
Some flavors might not appeal to all taste preferences
Essential Factors When Choosing an Electrolyte Supplement
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best electrolyte supplement for athletes:
Individual Needs: Consider your sweat rate, exercise intensity, and climate. Athletes who sweat more, exercise intensely for longer durations, or train in hot and humid environments will lose more electrolytes and need a higher intake.
Type of Electrolytes: The most important electrolytes for athletes are sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium. Look for a supplement that contains a balance of these electrolytes.
Sodium Content: Sodium is the most important electrolyte for athletes to replace. It helps regulate fluid balance and muscle function. For moderate exercise sessions, look for a supplement that contains at least 120mg of sodium per 16-ounce serving.
Potassium Content: Potassium is another essential electrolyte that helps with muscle function and nerve transmission. Look for a supplement that contains at least 50mg of potassium per 16-ounce serving.
Other Ingredients: Some electrolyte supplements also contain carbohydrates, which can provide energy during exercise. Other popular ingredients include B vitamins and flavorings.
Form: Electrolyte supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and drinks. Choose a form that is convenient for you and that you will be able to tolerate during exercise.
Taste: Electrolyte supplements can come in a variety of flavors. Choose a flavor that you enjoy so that you will be more likely to drink it during exercise.
Quality: Choose a high-quality electrolyte supplement from a reputable brand. Look for a supplement that is third-party tested to ensure that it is free of contaminants.
Note: Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietician can help you determine the right type and amount of electrolyte supplement for your individual needs.
Supercharge Your Athletic Performance With Electrolytes
Electrolytes are vital for maintaining athletic performance. Whether you're a professional athlete or someone with a physically demanding job, these minerals need to be replenished quickly. The method of supplementation is a matter of personal preference and lifestyle.
Remember, the first step to beating your best time or lifting that heavy weight begins with adequate hydration and electrolyte replenishment. Start exploring these electrolyte supplements today.
If none of the supplements from our list appeal to you, you can try Mayu Essential Drops. They provide 75 ionic trace minerals to the body, promoting overall health and well-being. They're also free from sugars and preservatives.
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