Electrolyte Supplements for Hydration and Endurance Support

When we think of electrolytes, we tend to think of Powerade or any other colourful sports drink. But electrolytes are more than just a flavoured alternative to water.

So, what are electrolytes? Electrolytes are essential minerals that play a considerable role in how your body functions and performs. Often used in an electrolytes drink by athletes, these essential minerals include sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium (Shrimanker & Bhattarai, 2023).

Electrolytes play a vital role when it comes to hydration and fluid balance and are necessary when it comes to helping your body maintain balance. As strange as it may sound, electrolytes have a natural positive or negative electrical charge when dissolved in water, which can help your body manage chemical reactions in addition to fluid balance within your cells. Don’t worry; you’re not going to get an electric shock the next time you have electrolyte drinks (Cleveland Clinic. 2021) .

An average adult's body contains about 60% water, meaning that almost every fluid and cell in your body contains electrolytes. Your kidneys help filter excess electrolytes out of your body, while exercise and heat and exercise can cause you to lose electrolytes through sweat. When your body is low in electrolytes, electrolyte drinks are the most popular solution to replenishing those lost electrolytes (Cleveland Clinic. 2021) .

These substances can come in drink form, like your common Powerade and Gatorade’s but they are also present in electrolyte drink powder form, with electrolyte drinks for cycling, running, weightlifting and more, all being common.

If you’re looking for the Top 10 electrolytes and the best electrolyte powder Australia can offer, stick around; we’ve got what you need.

Well, that depends. Are you consuming your electrolytes from a sugary supermarket ‘sports’ drink? Because they may not be so good, but yes, ultimately, electrolytes are good for you.

Electrolyte drinks can help you replenish lost electrolytes, which is pivotal after a busy day on the job site or a long game of football. If you’re shopping around, a sugar-free electrolyte drink can deliver what you need without the added sweeteners, sugars, and preservatives that may negatively affect your health. Alternatively, consuming electrolytes from healthier sources such as whole foods is your best option.

Electrolytes are good for you and play an essential role in the functionality of your body. They help regulate your pH levels, promoting hydration and muscle support. Consuming enough electrolytes is essential for that reason (Shrimanker & Bhattarai, 2023).

Again, the source of those electrolytes is what is important. There are plenty of foods that can deliver electrolytes; these include:

• Spinach

• Oranges

• Bananas

• Coconut water

• Pickle juice

When it isn’t possible to consume these sources, electrolyte drinks are your next best option. A sugar free electrolyte drink will help you take full advantage of the benefits of electrolytes without the added sugars, while electrolyte drink powder allows you to mix your electrolytes on the go while having more control over the dose.

Well, there would be no money in electrolyte drinks if you didn’t need them. But in all seriousness, yes. Your daily electrolyte needs may vary based on a number of factors like age, sex, exercise frequency and intensity, climate, and the amount and type of fluid that you consume. Whether you’re a tradie on a job site, an athlete lifting weights at the gym, a footballer training outside in the sun, or you live up in Tropical North Queensland where the summer weather feels like a sauna, you’re going to break a sweat, you’re going to lose electrolytes, and you’re going to be affected. Muscle weakness, irregular heart rate, fatigue, and more are all signs of an imbalance in electrolytes (Torrens, K. 2020).

Staying hydrated is key in maintaining electrolyte levels, but when you’re exerting yourself to a high degree, that may not be enough. Incorporating electrolyte drinks after exercise or when you think electrolyte levels are low can help you rejuvenate and maintain your electrolyte levels.

As we say, a number of factors come into play when determining your required electrolyte balance each day. When you’re in a situation that increases your internal body temperature, your body will lose electrolytes at a greater rate. It is essential to replace these electrolytes with electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration and fatigue. While the daily requirements vary, the Australian Government has set specific standards called ‘Nutrient Reference Values” for all of the most prominent minerals. 

Both male and female adults are recommended to keep their sodium intake below 2,300mg per day (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2021d). 

Adult Males aged 19 and above have an adequate intake (AI) of 3,800mg of potassium per day. Adult Females have an AI of 2,800mg per day. This mineral is prominent in many foods and can help to maintain water and electrolyte balance (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2021c).  

Magnesium is a common mineral deficiency in adults, the recommended daily intake (RDI) for males to consume is between 400-420mg per day and for females to consume 310-320mg per day (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2021b). 

Both males and females have an RDI of 1,000mg per day. However, older adults above 51 are recommended to consume more calcium; the RDI is set to 1,300mg/ day (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2021a). 

Maintaining a proper balance of electrolytes in the body is important for overall health and functionality. When electrolytes in the body are disturbed, an electrolyte imbalance can occur, which can disrupt normal bodily functions and lead to life-threatening complications. The signs of an electrolyte imbalance include muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, confusion, convulsions, nausea, headaches, numbness, and more (Cleveland Clinic. 2022) .

Therefore, it is critical to monitor any signs of an electrolyte imbalance and replenish yourself with an electrolyte drink or electrolyte-containing foods. Maintaining proper hydration and a balanced diet is the key to preventing an electrolyte imbalance.

Ensuring that we consume enough sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium can help us maintain a healthy electrolyte balance, keeping our bodies functioning at their optimal level.

If you’re looking for a tradie electrolytes drink to fuel you through a scorching summer’s day on the job site, we can offer you something better than your standard Red Bull/ Powerade combo. At ASN, our shelves are lined with the best electrolyte powder Australia has to offer. From that much-needed tradie electrolyte drink to that health-conscious sugar free electrolyte drink, we are proud to offer the best electrolyte drink for cycling, running, training, and recovering from the summer heat. Let’s take a look at some of the best electrolyte drinks.

Evolve Hydr8 Electrolyte Hydration is a premium hydration formula designed to keep you performing at your peak. If you struggle with fatigue, cramping, or dehydration during intense training or hot weather, this advanced hydration solution has you covered. Packed with essential electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and potassium. Hydr8 is enhanced with senactiv® an ingredient researched for its potential role in recovery, energy and endurance. Evolve Hydr8 helps replenish what you lose through sweat and supports optimal hydration and recovery.

• Replenishes essential electrolytes for optimal hydration

• Includes magnesium, potassium, and sodium to combat cramping

• Enhanced with Senactiv® to support recovery, energy and endurance.

• Low in sugar and carbs 

Rule One 1 Lytes+ is the ultimate electrolyte drink powder for replenishing essential electrolytes and optimising performance. If you often feel tired and depleted during morning sessions or experience a crash near the finish line, chances are you're dehydrated. R1 Lytes+ is specifically formulated to combat dehydration by replenishing fluids and vital nutrients lost through sweat. With its premium blend of five different electrolyte minerals, including potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium, this electrolyte dink also features citrulline, coconut water, watermelon, taurine, and vitamins A & C to promote hydration further.
 

• Contains 5 different electrolytes
• Supports hydration and electrolyte replenishment
• Added coconut water and watermelon
• Contains added antioxidant vitamins for hydration
• No extra sugar

Dr. Hydrate is an advanced hydration formula designed to optimise performance, recovery, and fluid balance. Developed in collaboration with professional athletes, it combines essential electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals to keep you energised and hydrated during intense activity—all without added sugar or artificial flavours.

This all-in-one formula includes key electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, along with L-Glutamine for muscle recovery and Acetyl-L-Carnitine to support energy production. Enhanced with 72 sea minerals for strength and stamina and probiotics for gut health, Dr. Hydrate is perfect for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone needing effective hydration.

• Replenishes electrolytes to support hydration and recovery

• Contains L-Glutamine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine for muscle recovery and energy

• Infused with 72 sea minerals for strength, energy, and endurance

• Includes probiotics for added gut health support

• Only 18 calories per serve, with no added sugar or artificial flavours

• HASTA-certified and tested for banned substances

SIS GO Hydro Tablets are the ultimate hydration solution, scientifically designed to meet your sodium and electrolyte needs while keeping you performing at your best. Originally developed for the British Sailing Team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, these tablets are "Fuelled by Science" and have a proven track record in high-stakes environments.

By combining a precise sodium concentration of 30 mmol/L with essential electrolytes and vitamins, SIS GO Hydro Tablets help maintain muscle function, reduce fatigue, and sustain endurance during intense training sessions or busy workdays. Simply drop a tablet into water to create a refreshing, high-electrolyte drink with virtually no calories.

Whether you're an athlete, a busy professional, a parent, or a tradie working in demanding conditions, these tablets are your go-to solution for reliable hydration and energy throughout the day.

• Expertly formulated with essential electrolytes and vitamins

• Provides 30 mmol/L of sodium for optimal hydration

• Only 9 calories per serving with no unnecessary sugars

• Vegan-friendly and free from gluten, wheat, dairy, and nuts

• Banned substance tested for peace of mind

Endura Rehydration Low-Carb Fuel is a low-carb electrolyte formula designed to keep you hydrated, energised, and performing at your best. Perfect for athletes or anyone watching their calories, it helps replace electrolytes lost through sweat while supporting endurance, recovery, and hydration.

This advanced blend features magnesium in the patented Meta Mag® strain for superior absorption, along with a 5-electrolyte complex of sodium chloride, calcium, and potassium citrate to help prevent muscle cramps, spasms, and fatigue.

• Supports hydration and replaces lost electrolytes

• 5-electrolyte complex with highly absorbable magnesium (Meta Mag®)

• Helps prevent muscle cramps, spasms, and fatigue

• 99% sugar-free and free from artificial sweeteners and colours

• Perfect for hydration, endurance, and recovery

Maintaining a healthy electrolyte balance is crucial for optimal bodily function. Electrolytes play a vital role in muscle and nerve function, regulating fluid balance and blood pressure and aiding in energy production. However, daily activities such as exercise and sweating can lead to electrolyte loss, which can impact your overall performance.

That's why replenishing lost electrolytes is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. One of the best ways to do this is through electrolyte drinks and powders. At ASN, we are proud to offer the best electrolyte powders Australia has to offer, along with a variety of the best electrolyte drinks that can help you replenish lost electrolytes quickly and effectively. So, if you want to ensure a healthy, active lifestyle, maintaining proper electrolyte balance is a must, and electrolyte drinks and powders are a great way to help you achieve that.

You can check out our full range of Electrolytes online. If you're looking to better understand hydration and how it impacts performance, be sure to check out our blog, Understanding Hydration . For tips on improving your endurance and energy with electrolytes, read Hydr8 Your Performance.

If you need more advice or have questions about which electrolyte powders are right for you, our friendly team is here to help. Simply reach out online or visit us in-store, we’d love to assist you on your health and performance journey.

Cleveland Clinic. 2021, ‘Electrolytes’, Cleveland Clinic, accessed October 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21790-electrolytes

Cleveland Clinic. 2022, ‘Electrolyte Imbalance’, Cleveland Clinic, accessed 13 October 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24019-electrolyte-imbalance

National Health and Medical Research Council. (2021a). Calcium. Eat for Health; Australian Government. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/calcium

National Health and Medical Research Council. (2021b). Magnesium. Eat for Health; Australian Government. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/magnesium

National Health and Medical Research Council. (2021c). Potassium. Eat for Health; Australian Government. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/potassium

National Health and Medical Research Council. (2021d). Sodium. Eat for Health; Australian Government. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/sodium

Shrimanker, I., & Bhattarai, S. (2023, July 24). Electrolytes. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/

Torrens, K. 2020, ‘What are electrolytes and do I replenish them?’ BBC Good Food,accessed October 2023, https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-are-electrolytes-and-do-i-replenish-them