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2021/05/21

To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. Summary: Best Electrolyte Powders of 2022, What to Consider When Choosing an Electrolyte Powder, An amino acid-electrolyte beverage may increase cellular rehydration relative to carbohydrate-electrolyte and flavored water beverages. Coconut water has seen a surge in popularity lately due to big marketing budgets and some dubious claims. Staying hydrated is critical, so anything we can do to ensure that happens is a win.

We put 8 of the best electrolyte powders to the test on our adventures for over a month. In this admittedly subjective test, we wanted to know how much of a difference we felt drinking an electrolyte mix compared to regular water. It also contains a solid amount of sodium to keep water in our cells, as well as moderate magnesium. He also recommends this product because its gluten and sugar free and made with natural ingredients. Ultima got mixed reviews, but we all agreed on one thing: it was by far the sweetest in our test. However, powders come with the benefit of ensuring you stay hydrated while consuming electrolytes. An amino acid-electrolyte beverage may increase cellular rehydration relative to carbohydrate-electrolyte and flavored water beverages. As far as ingredients go, Hi Lyte claims to have 72 trace elements from the Great Salt Sea in Utah. Overall, its a great-tasting and hydrating option, excellent for anyone who needs to replace a lot of lost sodium during long, active days. Ultima Replenisher has no sugar and no calories. We relied on our own testing and consumer reviews to measure how well electrolytes dissolved. As an integrative performance dietitian in Charlotte, North Carolina, Screen helps her clients find the right nutritionincluding electrolyte powdersto meet the demands of their active lifestyles. All rights reserved. Do you want zinc, phosphorous, or manganese? In the process of researching, I also drew from my training and experience. Oral Rehydration Therapy in the Second Decade of the Twenty-first Century.

This popular supplement replenishes your body with minerals lost through sweat, and can help keep you hydrated. Significant weight shifts during exercise are not desired, says Screen. No one loved it or disliked it.

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We also liked that there was no artificial taste with this mix. Amidor recommends a serving of UCAN mixed with 16 to 20 ounces of water every one to two hours before, during or after exercise. Plain water is not always sufficient to hydrate after a workout. She recommends that athletes incorporate carbohydrates into their workout intake, so a product that combines electrolytes with a carbohydrate can kill two birds with one stone. Below, we compare a few of the main deciding factors between the two for you.

There is no additional cost to you and the decision to buy something is up to you. Weve found from experience that the easier something is to do while hiking or backpacking, the more likely we are to do it. In our search for the best electrolyte powder, we analyzed and compared reviews of 26 electrolytes to narrow it to the top three winners. Thats why weve rounded up the best electrolyte powders of 2022, according to experts. The Health Beat states, Lyteshow uses concentrated ionic sea salt minerals from the Great Salt Lake and does not contain any sugar or carbohydrates. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. Skratchs electrolyte mix was a win for our testers, and its perfect if you prefer a sweeter and fruitier flavor thats still refreshing and crisp. The real benefit of using electrolyte powder is its a simple and effective way to provide the body with the minerals it needs to replenish enzymes, support hormones and regulate fluid balance, says Screenparticularly in situations where, without that boost, we would experience electrolyte depletion.

When your sodium levels are too high, you might feel restless, have difficulty sleeping, and experience abnormally rapid breathing. Theyre both vegan. The flavored versions also taste goodso its an incentive for you to stay hydrated and care about your electrolyte balance. The Health Beat liked this product because it has a wide range of vitamins and minerals, resembling a multivitamin on the label. Similarly, Greenbelly noted that the best thing about Ultima Replenisher is the long list of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that are provided., The Ultima Powder outside of its packaging (we tried the raspberry flavor). If you are exercising longer than 2 or 3 hours, higher amounts of electrolytes are recommended. sugar-free) is a better option, she says. A good mix will have everything that it should and nothing that it shouldnt. It is vital to note that you should never start a workout dehydrated! We list it on the label as simply 'natural flavors,' because the exact fruits differ between each flavor., Still, Nuun Sport is popular among reviewers and long-distance hikers. An electrolyte tablet looks like a giant SweeTart. Although we often think negatively of sodium, your body needs it to function properly. We tested wide mouth Nalgenes, collapsible, glass, and vacuum insulated bottles from Yeti, Hydro Flask, and Klean Kanteen and more, comparing 17 bottles side-by-side.

), Best Overall and Best Budget Electrolyte Mix, Best Electrolyte Tablets for Hiking and Backpacking. She also notes that its a unique option because it contains amino acids, which, according to a 2014 study, may help with cellular hydration and muscle recovery post-workout, making it an especially good pick for older exercisers, since those amino acids may help protect muscle[1]Tai CY, Joy JM, Falcone PH, et al. Over the course of 8 days, we rehydrated with one Nalgene of each electrolyte mix, noting how well-hydrated we felt compared to drinking regular water. Very well thought-out product, says Wallace, who recommends this powder. Our top pick for best electrolyte tablets for hiking and backpacking is Nuun Hydration Sport.

Some of the flavors, particularly the Grape, tasted too mineral and medicinal. Ready to shake things up with the perfect electrolyte powder for you? Learn more. The top complaint about this electrolyte powder is that some reviewers did not like the recent flavor change or the packaging.

Overall, weve found the flavors to be good and thirst quenching. Theyre meant to be dropped in water, and they fizz and dissolve quickly. Copyright 2022 99Boulders LLC. A good electrolyte powder will contain Sodium (Na+), Chloride (Cl-), Potassium (K+), Calcium (Ca++), and Magnesium (Mg+). In total, we compared 26 products and narrowed it down to four winners: Best Overall and Best Budget Electrolyte Mix, Best Flavorless Electrolyte Replacement, Best Electrolyte Pill, and Best Electrolyte Tablets for Hiking and Backpacking.

This electrolyte powder does have a very mild flavor and was one of the least sweet in our test. For long days on the trail, or days in extreme heat, look for an electrolyte drink with a high sodium content. We made sure to drink at least one Nalgene of an electrolyte mix each day. Left to right: Ultima Replenisher variety pack, Nutribiotic Essential Electrolytes, and Liquid IV in passion fruit. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.

We are confident in their findings because they are science-based and transparent about their business model and funding. VeryWellFit described this product as a cost-effective solution that delivers big results. Labdoor gave this product high ratings in (>90/100) in label accuracy, product purity, nutritional value, and ingredient safety. One tester thought the flavor was reminiscent of Jolly Ranchers.

With a wide variety of products on store shelvesand new ones continuously entering the frayit might feel overwhelming to narrow down the options and select the best one for you. How recreational marathon runners hit the wall: A large-scale data analysis of late-race pacing collapse in the marathon. Electrolytes with food are ideal. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When is the workout taking place, and what is the purpose of the extra caffeine intake? In her spare time, Kristen enjoys being outdoors and active, which might mean doing a yoga session at her local beach in Sarasota, Florida; hiking new trails with her husband; or dancing to her favorite '90s tunes with her dogor anyone who's not too embarrassed to join her, really. Do you want to have your drink instantly, even if it requires stirring? It uses organic stevia leaf to enhance its flavor. Pre & Post-Workout Supplements For Optimal Performance. So how can one tell if they should be regularly sipping on a beverage with added electrolytes? Most of us can maintain a stable level of these key minerals in our bodies through the foods we eat and beverages we drink on a regular, low-activity day, but, when people lose fluid from their bodies, they also lose essential minerals, says Lord. We cross-referenced our top picks with studies reported on Labdoor, which buys products off retail shelves and online sites and sends samples to an FDA-registered laboratory for chemical analysis. experienced journalists and medical experts, https://www.amazon.com/PerfectAmino-Electrolytes-Watermelon-Servings-Electrolyte/dp/B084ZZ8X4W?&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=f3e9b41ffc15003d0b48a51c92d972d2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl, https://www.amazon.com/LMNT-Electrolyte-Drink-Artificial-Ingredients/dp/B09Q9WCDY7?keywords=LMNT+recharge&qid=1652713366&sr=8-7&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=49341e09ec9bb1dbebd65fc754d75ff6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl, https://www.amazon.com/UCAN-Electrolyte-Watermelon-Calories-Servings/dp/B017C8PK7A?crid=NAT9XS9H6P7V&keywords=UCAN%2BHydrate&qid=1653395453&sprefix=ucan%2Bhydrate%2B%2Caps%2C264&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyRklONDhIODhOR1FBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjM2MTUyMjEzTFlTQk5BN1FQOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTI4NjAwMkcyRTFSSUY3VjlZMSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=a86bfbace1e52c8de949c8dd718e6767&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl, https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Encapsulations-Electrolyte-Hypoallergenic-Supplement/dp/B0016D4GLY?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=c352c48263b039f92c0c64778252e141&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl, https://www.amazon.com/Ultima-Replenisher-Electrolyte-Pomegranate-Canister/dp/B01N66MIYE?crid=1QV913BWTLNHC&keywords=ultimate+replenisher+electrolyte+powder&qid=1652714045&sprefix=ultimate+repl%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=e4863712efd264a47130954f936dc121&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl, https://www.amazon.com/Nuun-Hydration-Electrolyte-Essential-Electrolytes/dp/B019GU4ILQ?crid=3T8GWN541K477&keywords=nuun+sport&qid=1652715874&rdc=1&sprefix=pure+en%2Caps%2C2336&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFUR0JCMEtDUE44QjcmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA2NDU5Njc1Rks3RlJYR0pYWVAmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMTAyNDQ0MDFYUEU0U1VLR0o0WDMmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=2a5701793627fa7c2d880053697c1b8c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl, https://www.amazon.com/Vital-Proteins-Electrolyte-Supplement-Electrolytes/dp/B08H2JCY6C?crid=223W6CROFUZPZ&keywords=vital%2Bproteins%2Bplus%2Bhydration&qid=1652716328&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=vital%2Bproteins%2Bplus%2Bhydration%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-5&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=ff9b7dde0c359abf429e32deedf5712e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q33CN85?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=8d8e8d33983e491398391d3747ece251&hsa_cr_id=8285625620801&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=6e92f762-ef74-47bd-9216-54b0ff512a5e&pd_rd_w=RNSsB&pd_rd_wg=3vfuU&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=f1ed7de9db14a9c414f88ca1a45b4861&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl, https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Hydration-Powder-Packets-Orgain/dp/B09H85HFJC?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=faf451915351774cd0ddd706f0cb4c57&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl, Available in strawberry, mixed berry, watermelon zen and orange slice, Contains 300 milligrams of sodium, 250 milligrams of potassium and 50 milligrams of magnesium, Free of sugar, soy, egg, and dairy; paleo and keto friendly, Available in citrus salt, watermelon salt, orange salt, raspberry salt, mango chili, lemon habanero, chocolate salt and raw unflavored, Includes 1000 milligrams of sodium, 200 milligrams of potassium and 60 milligrams of magnesium, Available in lemon-lime, watermelon, berry and pineapple, Includes 300 milligrams of sodium, 100 milligrams of potassium, 150 milligrams of chloride, 50 milligrams of magnesium and 15 milligrams of calcium, Includes 100 milligrams of vitamin C, 60 milligrams of sodium, 50 milligrams of potassium, 75 milligrams of chloride, 50 milligrams of magnesium and 50 milligrams of calcium, Not as readily available as other supplements on this ranking, Available in pink lemonade, watermelon, blue raspberry, grape, cherry pomegranate and orange, 55 milligrams of sodium, 250 milligrams of potassium, 78 milligrams of chloride, 100 milligrams of magnesium, 65 milligrams of calcium, 100 milligrams of vitamin C and 1 milligram of zinc, Gluten-free, vegan; paleo- and keto-friendly, Available in citrus fruit, fruit punch, grape, lemon lime, orange, strawberry lemonade, tri-berry, tropical and watermelon as well as caffeinated flavors (cherry limeade, fresh lime, mango orange and wild berry), Includes 300 milligrams of sodium, 150 milligrams of potassium, 40 milligrams of chloride, 25 milligrams of magnesium and 13 milligrams of calcium, Non-GMO and banned substance tested by LGC Science, Available in lemon lime and tropical blast, Includes 45 milligrams of sodium, 670 milligrams of potassium, 72 milligrams of magnesium, 99 milligrams of calcium and 90 milligrams of vitamin C, Includes 5 grams of grass-fed, pasture-raised collagen, Available in lemonade, peach mango, cherry pom, grape, raspberry, orange, blue raspberry, watermelon and pink lemonade, Includes 110 milligrams of sodium, 250 milligrams of potassium, 170 milligrams of chloride, 100 milligrams of magnesium, 115 milligrams of calcium, Available in berry, lemon lime, orange tangerine and mango, Includes 300 milligrams of sodium, 180 milligrams of potassium, 410 milligrams of chloride, 10 milligrams of calcium and 45 milligrams of vitamin C, Free of gluten and soy, certified organic and non-GMO, Any activity that results in weight loss (from start to finish) in excess of about 1% body weight. Some powers contain artificial sweeteners and have a lower sugar and carbohydrate content. Photo by Liz Thomas. But if youre on the go, its hard to beat the convenience of the Nuun tablet container. It also packs a lot of sodium into each packet. Some varieties include natural flavors in the ingredients, which may concern some users. Were not sure what was going on with Emergen-C Electro Mix, but we know it was our taste testers least favorite. They both also contain zinc and citric acid. Related: Pacific Crest Trail Gear List & Strategy. Nuun is sold as a tablet that fizzes like an Alka Seltzer. Drop in a tablet, and youre good to go! Dr. Melina Jampolis is a former past president of the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists and author based in Los Angeles. Whatever the reason, we found ourselves reaching for Vitalyte most often, especially when temperatures hit triple digits. Overall, the taste just didnt quite hold up to other electrolyte mixes in our test. Then we tested to verify our findings on camping, fishing, white water rafting trips.

2014;13:47. . Ultima Replenisher is sold as a powder. It wont require mixing, but it does take some patience. During my thru-hikes, including my most recent 2,900-mile walk on the Continental Divide Trail and the 800-mile Oregon Desert Trail, Ive learned first-hand the importance of avoiding electrolyte imbalance by supplementing with a high-quality electrolyte replacement drink. Taste was one of the top characteristics commented on by the Amazon reviews we analyzed. This product contains among the highest amount of potassium in a supplement, which not only helps hydrate but also prevents high blood pressure, says Forbes Health Advisory Board member Elliot Dinetz, M.D., who is double board-certified in family medicine and functional medicine. Our research shows that you do not need to spend more than $0.75 per serving to get a high-quality, clean product that will meet your bodys electrolyte needs. Some electrolyte powders also contain a plethora of other vitamins and minerals. However, Laird Coconut Water Powder is supplemented with Aquamin (from marine algae) for additional calcium and trace minerals. For an added edge to your workout, you might consider electrolyte powders. Related: The Best Water Filters and Purifiers. Electrolytes usually come as stand-alone powders or mixed into electrolyte plus carbohydrate drink mixes, Screen says, noting that the two serve different purposes. One tester described it as very mild, but super tasty and refreshing. Another said it tastes like electrolytes, no weird flavors or fake sugar..

The mix also had some issues with consistency. Pure Encapsulations Electrolyte/Energy Formula. How would you like your electrolytes portioned? Nuuns flavors were hit and miss with our tasters. Label accuracy, product purity, and ingredient safety: Using scientific studies reported on Labdoor, we looked at rankings for label accuracy, product purity, nutritional value, ingredient safety, and projected efficacy for several different electrolyte powders. They also contain vitamin C, which can help with immunity. Star ratings were then determined solely by the editorial team, factoring in cost, amount of sugar per serving and user satisfaction. Here, we tested them in the desert just north of the California-Mexico border at Cuyamaca State Park in capsule form. Both offer subscription programs. Plus, no added sugar, and it dissolves well in water and tastes great, she says. The Nuun immunity line comes with zinc, but not the Sport Line. Helping You Find The Medicare Coverage You Need Most, Helping You Age Well In The Best Place For You. When electrolytes are dissolved in water, they naturally have either a positive or a negative charge. Greenbelly liked Nuun for the fruit powders and leaf extracts in its list of simple ingredients. Very Well Fit summarizes: Reviewers say these tablets are better than traditional sports drinks, as theyre light and refreshing., Related: Essential Hiking and Backpacking Accessories. What about caffeine? Related: What to Bring to a Trip to Yosemite, Several Amazon reviewers like the taste of the updated formula and the ability of the product to eliminate leg cramps. Proper muscle contraction depends on adequate amounts of electrolytes and balanced fluid pressure, so inadequate electrolytes can be a cause of muscle cramping.

Between its high doses of magnesium (an electrolyte of which, Wallace notes, about half of Americans fail to meet the minimum intake), B-vitamins, potassium and extra vitamin C, it provides a variety of essential nutrients.