Do We Really Need All These Electrolytes?

Electrolytes: We all need them. We all get them from our food. And in the last few years, we’ve been seeing them more, and more, and more, and more. Like protein, “electrolytes” has become somewhat of a buzzword in the food world, and its inclusion on packages and in press releases is used to promote the purported health-supporting qualities of a product. In the last couple of weeks alone, we’ve had the release of Kool-Aid Hydration drink mixes packed with electrolytes, and a pickle smoothie from Smoothie King and Grillo’s, which used the term as a way to sell what is, quite clearly, a drink with an acquired taste. 

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But – we need to take a step back here. Why do we need electrolytes again? Do we need them? Is their presence in food products a mere gimmick? Let’s break it down.

What Are Electrolytes? And What Do They Even Do? 

Electrolytes are, per the Cleveland Clinic, “substances that have a natural positive or negative electrical charge when dissolved in water.” They’re present in almost every part of the body, and they come via elements like sodium, magnesium, chloride, calcium, and potassium, which foods that have electrolytes often contain. 

Essentially, electrolytes help to keep our systems balanced and properly hydrated, and are used by our cells in muscle contraction. When we have an electrolyte imbalance – when our mineral levels are too high, or too low – then we can start to experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, weakness, headaches, and confusion. 

Why Are They Suddenly In Everything?

The rise of electrolytes in foods and drinks can be linked to a broader increase in nutrition-focused, functional food products. Over the last few years, we’ve seen food companies and producers realise that people want, essentially, more bang for their buck in their products, and that their items can bear the promise of supporting an active lifestyle, without much change to flavor. As such, electrolytes have essentially gone the same way as protein, albeit in a slightly more concentrated form.

Do We Need All Of These Electrolyte Products?

Most of the time, no. We need electrolytes, but unless you’re prone to electrolyte imbalances due to a certain condition, or you’ve been through a particularly intense bout of exercise and have sweated out a significant amount of the minerals required to keep them in check, you probably don’t require more than what you’re getting from your regular diet.

Sports nutrition researcher Professor Graeme Close told the BBC that in a lot of cases, people who are purchasing electrolyte products aren’t really receiving any benefit from them, and are therefore wasting their money. If you’ve just been out for a regular run, though, “just sip water, that’s more than good enough and keep your hard-earned money for other things,” he says. It is also worth remembering that you can consume too many electrolytes, which can produce similar symptoms to having too few.