Why is electrolyte powder important for athletes?

Electrolyte sports drinks help athletes replace fluids and electrolytes that their bodies have lost. Electrolytes are minerals that are important for the body’s normal functioning and are lost through sweating. Here is some referenced information about the benefits of electrolyte sports drinks:

Increases hydration: Electrolyte sports drinks help prevent dehydration and help athletes stay better hydrated during training.

Increases performance: Electrolyte sports drinks help athletes perform better during training by maintaining the body's electrolyte balance.

Reduces fatigue: Electrolyte sports drinks help restore electrolytes lost from the body during training, reducing fatigue in athletes.

Accelerates recovery: Electrolyte sports drinks provide the fluid and electrolytes the body needs after training, accelerating the recovery process of athletes.

Prevents muscle cramps: Electrolyte sports drinks help replace electrolytes lost during exercise, helping to prevent muscle cramps.

Sources:

• Maughan RJ, Shirreffs SM. Dehydration and rehydration in competitive sport. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2010;20(Suppl 3):40-7.
• Baker LB, Jeukendrup AE. Optimal composition of fluid-replacement beverages. Compr Physiol. 2014 Jan;4(1):575-620.
• Shirreffs SM, Sawka MN. Fluid and electrolyte needs for training, competition, and recovery. J Sports Sci. 2011;29 Suppl 1:S39-46.
• Thomas DT, Erdman KA, Burke LM. American College of Sports Medicine Joint Position Statement. Nutrition and Athletic Performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016;48(3):543-68.
• Miller KC, Stone MS, Huxel KC, Edwards JE. Exercise-associated muscle cramps: causes, treatment, and prevention. SportsHealth. 2010;2(4):279-83.