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Performance and Nutritional Supplements

Because Food Becomes You

sodium/electrolyte replacement products | ergogenics, vitamins and other supplements products

nutrition and hydration page | drinks | gels | bars

Sodium/Electrolyte Replacement Products

Manufacturer,
Distributor
or To Order

Product
concept

Nutrition
contents

Endurance
World
resources

Endurance
World
ratings

E-mergen-C
by Alacer Corp.

ascorbate drink

not rated

Endurolytes
by e-Caps

www.e-caps.com

electrolyte
replacement

Enervit GT

www.worldcycling.com

"energy sport
tablets"

not rated

Lava Salts

www.squeezy.com

sodium replacement

not rated

SUCCEED Caps
by SUCCEED!

www.ultrafit-endurance.com

sodium replacement

Electrolyte Stamina Tablets

traceminerals.com

electrolyte replacement

not rated

Note: Data above is based on manufacturers' information.

Use of electrolytes is very common in long distance racing to address dehydration and to help prevent cramping and other heat related problems. Most common products used to combat electrolyte deficiencies (outside sport drinks) include high sodium content foods, table salt, and specifically developed supplements listed above: E-mergen-C, Lava Salts, SUCCEED! Caps, and Endurolytes.

Succeed! Caps and Endurolytes are easier to use (no mixing them with water, although it can be done by gently breaking capsules and dumping very fine powder contents into drink). Endurolytes has the ratio of 2:1 calcium/magnesium. Calcium is absent from the E-mergen-C formula. (It's important that both of these minerals be present in adequate amounts in the body, since a constant blood level calcium level is required for a normal rhythmic heartbeat, healthy nerve transmission, and strong muscle contractions.) Magnesium needs to be present as well because once the muscle contracts and calcium leaves, magnesium replaces it, then the muscle relaxes.

Potassium and sodium are present in both formulas although the 100 mg sodium per capsule versus the 55 mg per packet of Emergen-C. Manganese is also present in both formulas which is helpful not only as an electrolyte but also as an antioxidant. According to James Balch, M.D., a deficiency of manganese can lead to excess perspiration (among other maladies). While we want to perspire, any excess can contribute to premature electrolyte depletion.

Although both zinc and chromium are present in E-mergen-C they are not really electrolyte minerals. More important is a balanced mix of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and manganese. The main purpose of E-mergen-C is the actual Vitamin C in it with the minerals being naturally occurring as part of the mineral ascorbate complex.

Two additional nutrients available in Endurolytes are Vitamin B6 and the amino acid l-tyrosine. Among the many things B6 does, is maintaining proper sodium/potassium balance. Tyrosine aids in the performance of both the thyroid and adrenal glands. It is also involved in maintaining the rate of metabolism and is known as a mood enhancer.