Electrolytes

For short, easy exercise, water and normal meals are usually sufficient. Electrolytes become more relevant during longer activity, in hot conditions or when you sweat heavily and lose minerals, particularly sodium. However, a drink containing electrolytes does not necessarily also provide fuel for a long session.

No. Cadence Core Drink is sugar-free, whereas a 25 g serving of HydraWorx provides 20 g of carbohydrates. If you want minerals without extra energy, check the ingredients and nutrition information. For prolonged activity, carbohydrates can form part of your fuelling plan. Look at total carbohydrates, not just the ‘of which sugars’ line.

To compare sodium intake, look specifically for ‘sodium’. The weight of salt or another mineral compound is not the weight of the mineral itself. For example, a serving of BJP Electrolyte Complex contains 350 mg of salt, providing 143.5 mg of sodium. If another product lists sodium directly, compare it with this figure, rather than with the salt weight.

No. PULS Electrolyte PRO specifies 1 tablet in 200 ml of water, while a 5 g sachet of Puhdistamo Electrolyte Powder is mixed with 500 ml of water. Check the water quantity and recommended serving on your particular pack. A concentrate is not a ready-to-drink product either; dilute it as directed on the label before drinking.

It depends on the product. Cadence Core Drink is caffeine-free, but a sachet of Cadence Race Energy contains 100 mg of caffeine and 200 mg of L-theanine. L-theanine does not reduce the amount of caffeine. If you want an evening drink or wish to avoid caffeine, check the entire formula: ‘electrolytes’ alone does not guarantee a caffeine-free product.