Best Electrolyte Drinks Reviewed & Compared

Product Criteria for Evaluation

When it comes to health consumption goods, we never take safety for granted. With every product that we select, we conduct a rigorous research to ensure that each is fit for consumption and most importantly, meets your needs.

This is the criteria that we used to select the products on our list.

User ratings and Reviews

We put into consideration reviews, ratings and customer satisfaction surveys from filtered and verified customers. We picked products that were credited by authenticated users for meeting the label claims and had the highest customer satisfaction ratings. We also went through critical reviews to pick out the drawbacks of each product and listed them as cons, so you will know what to expect once you buy the product.

Formulation of the Supplements

We chose products that are ready to drink, in powder form and liquid form to fit different individual needs and preferences. Some individuals prefer to prepare, dilute and add their preferred flavors. On the other hand, some individuals may prefer a ready to drink product that they just pick while on the go.

Safety of the Products

We chose products that are processed in FDA regulated facilities and strictly adhere to General Manufacturing Practices (GMP), to ensure quality and safety of each drink. Some of the products on our list are certified organics and non-GMO products. We also included gluten products and products free of most potential allergens.

Age Suitability

We had in mind different age electrolyte replacement requirements and that is why we included products suitable for both adults and children. Two products on our list are formulated to fit use by kids. For instance, Hydralyte uses the WHO formulation recommendation for children and is specially flavored to make it pleasant for kids.

Role and sources of Electrolytes in the Body

Electrolytes are charged minerals in our bodies that are essential for survival. Therefore, an imbalance of the electrolytes may cause significant harm to several systems of the body as they affect several systems. As mentioned in our intro, the most common electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, manganese, phosphate, and bicarbonate.

Sodium

Sodium is one of the major electrolytes in the body. Some of the sources of sodium are dietary salt, processed foods, canned soups, and milk. Sodium maintains water balance in the body, stimulates muscle contraction, and facilitates transmission of nerve impulses. Sodium also plays a critical role in controlling blood pressure.

Potassium

The body gets potassium from food sources that include potatoes, white beans, yogurt, avocado, bananas, and fish. Potassium plays a critical role in heart function, muscle contraction and electrical transmission of nerve impulses.

Chloride

The body primarily sources chloride from table salt. Other sources include lettuce, seaweed, tomatoes, rye, olives and sea dishes. Chloride helps maintain blood volume, blood pressure, and body pH.

Magnesium

Top foods rich in magnesium include spinach, chard, pumpkin, kefir, almonds and black beans. Magnesium plays a role in supporting the immune system, cardiovascular health, bone health and regulation of blood glucose.

Manganese

Whole grains, nuts, green leafy vegetables, beans, and tea, are the primary sources of manganese. Manganese plays a role in metabolism, blood glucose regulation, forming of connective tissue, and functioning of brain and nerves.

Zinc

Zinc plays a role in strengthening the immune system, cell division, wound healing and metabolism of carbohydrates. The body gets zinc from fortified cereals, seafood, meat, poultry, legumes, and nuts. Zinc is also of particular importance in treating dehydration caused by diarrhea in children. Hence, you will find that most electrolytes drinks for children contain zinc as one of the essential electrolytes.

Phosphates

Phosphorous is essential for building and repairing of strong bones and teeth, aids in muscle contraction and helps in transmission of nerve impulses. It also helps in energy production and as a building block for many body substances. Our bodies get phosphates from foods such as milk, meat, beans, and nuts.

Calcium

The main role of calcium in the body is to support the skeletal structure especially the bones and teeth. Calcium also plays a crucial role in blood clotting, muscle function, and nerve cells functioning. The primary sources are dairy products, seafood, legumes, fortified cereals and vegetables.

Benefits of Electrolyte Replacement Drinks

The primary purpose of electrolyte drinks is to replace minerals lost along with water when you sweat or due to an illness. Sometimes water alone is never enough to replace what is lost and that is where the electrolyte drinks come in handy. An excellent choice of an electrolyte drink has the right balance of electrolytes and helps the body especially the muscles and the brain to function better. Benefits of electrolyte drinks include:

Prevent and Treat Dehydration

If you are in an intense workout, live in a hot place or you are losing a lot of water through diarrhea, fever or vomiting, then you are at risk of dehydration. Drinking plenty of water with electrolytes can help prevent this negative effect. Sodium and potassium prevent dehydration by binding to water and thus maintaining a water balance and increase the blood volume. Plain water works well for rehydration, but you cannot count on it to replace electrolytes lost.

Dehydration negatively impacts on your sports and daily performance by lowering the blood volume, impairing delivery of oxygen to tissues and diminishing the ability of the body to expel heat. Therefore, even mild dehydration can impede your performance by making you lethargic.

During exercise, you can take an electrolyte drink either as a pre- or post- workout drink to prevent dehydration. Those who live in high-temperature zones can also sip an electrolyte drink throughout the day, to prevent dehydration.

Children are more prone to dehydration than adults as they are more likely to lose fluid quickly. Dehydration in children is most likely caused by diarrhea and vomiting. If a child is at a risk of dehydration, the WHO recommends immediate rehydration with oral salts. A product like Pedialyte is child-friendly and has a flavor that is pleasant to children.

Maintain pH Level

The body needs a healthy pH with a proper balance of alkalinity and acidity for most metabolic processes. The body keeps on making adjustments to balance hydrogen and bicarbonate ions for a perfect pH balance. The adjustment processes require electrolytes to create a buffering system for alkalinity and acidity. The main alkalinizing minerals that help to restore a healthy body pH are sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Muscle Function

Electrolytes are crucial for muscle function, and if they are not adequate, muscle weakness and muscle cramps may occur. Of critical importance are sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride as the body manipulates them to contract and relax muscles.

Muscle Recovery

During exercise, lactic acid builds up, and after a workout it causes muscle soreness and cramps. Taking an electrolyte drink supplies minerals that promote muscle recovery by fostering hydration, blood supply, and muscle growth.

Boosts Energy

Some electrolyte drinks have added carbs and sugars that can provide energy while working out. Though some people may not like the idea of calories in an electrolyte drink, the extra calories can help to boost your performance during a workout.

Taste and Flavor of Electrolyte Drinks

The most common complaint from users of electrolyte drinks is in regard to an unpleasant taste. Electrolytes are basically minerals and most are sourced from seawater, so they are bound to have a salty taste.

Some people like the taste of plain electrolytes drinks while others prefer when it is flavored. Some products come as pure concentrates while others have a variety of flavors to choose from. Children may not tolerate the taste of plain unflavored drinks and that is why there are specially formulated electrolyte drinks for children.

If you purchase an electrolyte drink and you cannot stand the mineral taste, you can add some juice or any beverage of your choice though that may have to come with additional calories.

The drinks are also best taken as small sips, rather than taking in gulps.

Precautions and Warnings

Electrolyte drinks may interact with other drugs or health conditions. You should, therefore, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use them if you have any health concerns. Also, if you have ever had an allergic reaction or you notice that you are reacting to an electrolyte drink, you should discontinue use and seek medical help immediately.

If you would like to give an electrolyte drink to a child, you should strictly follow the dosages provided by a pediatrician or the manufacturer’s direction. You should never give an adult dosage to a child.

Most healthcare providers and manufacturers recommend that pregnant women should endeavor to rehydrate using water and natural dietary sources, not unless, the benefits of using the electrolyte drink outweighs a possible risk to the fetus. Hence, if you are pregnant, you should first consult your obstetrician.
You should not exceed the recommended drinks per day as over dosage of electrolytes may cause significant damage to your body. Most manufacturers recommend that you should not exceed eight servings in a 24-hour period.

Signs of too much electrolytes include puffy eyelids, high blood pressure, and edema of the feet. If severe, they can impair the ability of the heart and kidneys. One of the possible ways of reversing overdose is by taking plenty of plain water. However, you should seek medical help if the symptoms persist.

Possible Side Effects

Electrolyte drinks may at times have some side effects, though minor. Some of the possible side effects include:

If the symptoms persist, you should stop using the specific drink and seek help from a qualified healthcare provider.

Storage

Electrolytes can either be stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature. The drinks should also be protected from heat and stored in a safe place, away from children and pets.

FAQs

What do electrolyte drinks contain?

Electrolyte drinks are simply water mixed with minerals. Different products differ on the type and amount of minerals used. However, most contain sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, manganese, and phosphate. Other products may or may not have flavors and sweeteners added to them. Some products may also have vitamins infused in them.

Why do I need to take these drinks?

Electrolyte drinks are beneficial in replacing electrolytes that we lose either by sweating or when sick.

When should I take one?

An electrolyte drink can best be taken in the morning as a starter drink, as a beverage throughout the day, before a workout, after a workout, when traveling or during an illness. Also, any other time that you feel you have lost considerable amount of water and electrolytes from the body.

Is there anything like electrolyte overdose?

Yes, you can possibly overdose with electrolytes if you take more than eight servings per day. Overdose may have a negative impact on the skeletal, cardiovascular and urinary body systems.

When should I take precaution before taking them?

You should take precaution if you are pregnant, taking any drug, if you have any medical condition or you have ever had an allergic reaction to any electrolyte drink.

Can I give an electrolyte drink to my child?

There are electrolyte drinks that are specifically made for children using the World Health Organization recommendations. Some of those products like Pedialyte are also flavored to make them pleasant and tolerable to children.

Can I drink it when pregnant?

We recommend that you should first consult your obstetrician before using any electrolyte drink. The obstetrician is best suited to rule whether the benefit that you will gain by using the electrolytes outdoes possible risk to you and the unborn baby.

Where can I buy an electrolyte drink?

The best place to place to buy electrolyte drinks is on online platforms like Amazon. When buying online, you get the opportunity to compare prices and user reviews of products from many sellers. You also get the convenience of shopping at any time and anywhere.

If I want to lose weight, which is the best electrolyte drink that I should buy?

If you are aiming at fat loss, you should consider an electrolyte drink that is low in calories, sugars, carbs and has got no oils. You should be cautious of manufacturers who claim that their products have zero calories yet by looking at the ingredients label you see sugars and carbs. The secret is to keenly study the ingredients list and do some background research of the product.