Electrolytes: the hydration guide, from sport to everyday life
Sticks to dilute, effervescent tablets, sugar-free powders: electrolytes have left the changing room to become an everyday product. Here is what they contain, what you can claim and how to stand out.
- Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals: sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, calcium.
- They are lost through sweat: sport, heat, physical work.
- Potassium and magnesium carry authorised claims, notably on muscle function.
- Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions (sports drinks) carry specific claims, subject to strict composition conditions.
- Trend: sugar-free, sodium-rich sticks with natural flavourings, consumed every day.
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge once dissolved in the body's water: sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium. They play a part in fluid balance and in the functioning of muscles and nerves. Sweating causes them to be lost, especially sodium.
What EU regulations say
Several minerals carry authorised claims:
- Potassium: contributes to normal muscle function, to normal functioning of the nervous system and to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
- Magnesium: contributes to electrolyte balance, to normal muscle function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Calcium: contributes to normal muscle function.
Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions (sports drinks) have their own claims: they contribute to the maintenance of endurance performance during prolonged endurance exercise and enhance the absorption of water during physical exercise. However, these claims require a precise composition in carbohydrates, sodium and osmolality. A sugar-free stick therefore cannot use them.
Sodium, potassium, magnesium: finding the right balance
The trends that sell
- Sugar-free: sweeteners of natural origin, for daily consumption.
- High in sodium: formulas for endurance athletes and hot weather.
- Everyday use: office, travel, the morning after, hot days.
- On-the-go formats: single-serve sticks and effervescent tablets.
- Combinations: electrolytes + BCAA, electrolytes + creatine, electrolytes + vitamins.
The technical challenge: taste and solubility
Sodium and magnesium have a pronounced taste. The real challenge is keeping the drink pleasant, fast-dissolving and free of residue. This is where the manufacturer's expertise makes the difference: choice of mineral salts, flavourings, acidity and sweeteners.
Launch your electrolytes with Irati Production
We develop and manufacture your electrolytes in France, from sugar-free sticks to sports drinks.
- Single-serve sticks, powders in tubs, effervescent tablets
- Sugar-free formulas or compliant sports drinks
- Combinations with BCAA, creatine, vitamins
- Taste and solubility development
- Claims and labelling checked by our regulatory team
Frequently asked questions
What are electrolytes for?
They play a part in fluid balance and in the functioning of muscles and nerves. They are lost through sweat, which is why it makes sense to replenish them during exercise or in hot weather.
Is a sugar-free electrolyte stick effective?
It provides minerals without calories. However, it cannot use the claims reserved for sports drinks, which require carbohydrates.
What is the difference between electrolytes and an isotonic drink?
An isotonic drink combines carbohydrates and electrolytes in a precise composition. Electrolytes on their own provide minerals only.
Can you take electrolytes every day?
Yes, provided you respect the daily dose stated on the label.
Does Irati Production make private label electrolytes?
Yes, as sticks, powders and effervescent tablets. Request a quote.
This article is for information only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Sources: Regulation (EU) No 432/2012; Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (NRV).