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Electrolytes
Also called: ORS, electrolyte powder
Sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride, sold as powders, tablets and sports drinks.
- Why people take it
- Hydration and recovery after exercise or heat.
- What the evidence says
- Useful for long, hard exercise or heavy sweating. For diarrhoea and vomiting, WHO oral rehydration salts (ORS) are the right choice. For everyday activity, water and food are enough.
- Be careful
- High in sodium: be careful with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease. Many sports drinks are also high in sugar.
- In food
- Fruit, vegetables, coconut water, a pinch of salt in food.
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Common questions
What is Electrolytes?
Sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride, sold as powders, tablets and sports drinks.
Why do people take Electrolytes?
Hydration and recovery after exercise or heat.
Does Electrolytes work?
Useful for long, hard exercise or heavy sweating. For diarrhoea and vomiting, WHO oral rehydration salts (ORS) are the right choice. For everyday activity, water and food are enough.
Is Electrolytes safe?
High in sodium: be careful with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease. Many sports drinks are also high in sugar.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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