DO YOU REALLY NEED THOSE ELECTROLYTES... Are you wasting your money or will they help?

Consumerist debunker time! This week, we're exploring the £40billion+ electrolyte industry. Once reserved for professional athletes, they've recently become a top 5 cupboard staple for every fitness enthusiast. Even KSI has had a go! So, when do you/don't you need them? How effective are the different brands? What do they actually do? Let's get to it...

Most people are fairly liberal with their usage of electrolytes, which doesn't have any known negatives, but at what point are you just throwing money away? In simple terms, electrolytes replace the minerals lost in sweat (salt, potassium, calcium, magnesium etc.), to aid hydration, fuel & recovery. This makes figuring out whether you need them very easy. Have you been sweating heavily? You might need them. Have you been exercising for 90 mins or more? You might need them. That's it.

If you're planning ahead, sipping them before a 90+minute bout of exercise can help to fuel up & avoid fatigue during exercise too. However, those of you throwing a scoop in for your 5k or reformer class... you may as well throw a scoop in the toilet.

Now you know when you might need them, you need to decide which to get! Firstly, let's clear up one thing. Electrolytes are minerals to replace those lost in sweat, isotonic drinks are a combination of electrolytes & carbs, designed to replicate the levels found in our blood stream. In English, that means isotonics also contain easy-to-absorb energy. I'm going to include both, as they all give the electrolyte benefits.

A quick nod to timing; as I mentioned, planning ahead by sipping your electrolytes 60 minutes before your exercise will help with fuelling up & avoid the negatives of dehydration (cramp, brain function, muscle fatigue). Once exercising, small sips as frequently as is realistic will put you in the best stead, along with plenty of post-exercise refuelling. A good rule of thumb from England Rugby's nutrition department is 1.5litres of fluid per kilogram lost through sweating.

Here are 6 of the most popular brands, rated out of 10:

1. 'Lucozade Sport' - A British legend & considered by many to be the GOAT. Lucozade contains sufficient levels of salt & all 5 of the other essential minerals. A great, carb loaded option for your most intense sporting feats! (SCORE: 9/10)

2. 'Awesome Hydrate' - Up there as the most popular powder-based electrolyte solution here in the UK. A solid choice, especially if you're looking for the cheaper end per serving. (SCORE: 6/10)

3. 'Gatorade' - A submission from our friends across the pond, Gatorade is a good option with similar properties to Lucozade. However, it can come with a higher price point... Bloody tasty though! (SCORE: 7/10)

4. 'NutritionX' - Full disclosure, this is my go-to electrolyte. Easy to use & batch tested by Informed Sport UK, this is a great option. It's also from the suppliers of England Football, Rugby, Cricket & Rugby League. (SCORE: 8/10)

5. 'Prime' - The score says it all... Unfortunately lacking in sufficient amounts of each mineral, with taste & artificial additives being prioritised due to the young target market. Not completely without benefit, but one to be weary of. (SCORE: 4/10)

6. 'SIS Go Hydro' - Another batch tested & trustworthy source, but at a higher price point. If the cost doesn't concern you, Science In Sport are an industry heavyweight when it comes to high quality supplements. (SCORE: 6/10)

Here's the thing, most brands (apart from Prime) will do the job just fine. Go with the cheapest & use only when necessary if you want to save cash. Go for your favourite if not. Here's my favourite, grab some of these if you don't know where to start!

NutritionX Electrolyte Tablets 20 Pack

Buy Now

Elliot Hutchinson // 27.07.2025

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