Search
Close this search box.

Best Electrolyte Tablets for Runners – Take Those Endurance Levels Up

You need more than water to rehydrate if you are a heavy sweater.

Athletes like runners who pour sweat need electrolytes to nourish their bodies and regain strength and energy. When you can’t eat food filled with electrolytes during an intense workout, it might be time to turn to electrolyte tablets.

We’ll go through the best electrolyte tablets for runners and the different ways you can fix an electrolyte imbalance in your body.

Whether a marathon runner or a sprinter, this article will help you keep electrolyte levels high even after plenty of sweating.

What are Electrolytes?

When you sweat, you lose more than water. Over 99% of sweat is water, but 1% is salt and fat.

If you are a heavy sweater, it all makes sense now why any sweat that gets in your mouth tastes salty. Ew, right? When we rehydrate, we must replace the water and the extinguished salt.

So what are electrolytes exactly? They are a combination of minerals in your body dissolved in water to produce the energy you need throughout the day.

When we sweat, those electrolytes in the water leave the body. When you lose electrolytes, you must replenish them for your body to function correctly. The main minerals that make-up electrolytes are calcium, potassium, and sodium chloride.

Without those essential minerals, your body cannot regulate the amount of fluid in your bloodstream. That can lead to muscle cramps or blood clots. By replenishing lost electrolytes, we help the body function properly again.

What are Electrolyte Tablets?

How do we go about replenishing electrolytes? We’re glad you asked.

A fast way is to drink a sports drink filled with electrolytes or dissolve electrolyte tablets or powder in water. An electrolyte tablet can mean a better performance after heavy sweating.

Studies have shown that people who supplement with electrolyte tablets had a significant improvement in endurance and better heart rate performance.

You have to love science!

Defeating an Electrolyte Imbalance

An electrolyte imbalance is when the level of electrolytes in your blood is too high or too low.

When that happens, your body feels tired and lethargic. Side effects range from nausea and vomiting to muscle cramps and blood clots. Sounds pretty awful, right?

Knowing what causes this helps you to prevent it from happening. We talked about excessive sweating, but poor nutrition, not drinking enough water during vigorous exercise, and prolonged exercise are all factors.

The excellent news is that electrolyte drinks and tablets are there to ensure you don’t have an imbalance. It’s all about keeping things in the normal range and staying hydrated, especially for those endurance athletes.

When to Grab that Sports Drink?

So when should you replenish those electrolytes? You need to replenish after an intense workout, but you can also do it before and during a strenuous exercise that lasts for an hour or more.

If it’s sweltering outside, it’s a good idea to grab an electrolyte drink as you might be sweating just standing outside. It’s better to hydrate before dehydrating because it’s an uphill battle. Replenishing electrolytes when you are sick is also essential.

It will help your body fight whatever virus or ailment you have. 

The Best Electrolyte Tablets and Drinks for Runners

Now that we know all about electrolytes and how we can replenish them, let’s discuss some of the best electrolyte tablets and tablets available for you to supplement in your daily diet. 

1. Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets

If you’ve read our Nuun review, you know that Nuun is on the frontline when it comes to rehydrating your body.

They offer a range of different pre-workout supplements. Just when you thought they couldn’t get any better, they also provide electrolyte tablets that mix in your beverage for added hydration after a challenging workout.

It’s as simple as dropping one of the flavored tablets into your water and letting it dissolve. Even though they are flavored, there are no artificial sweeteners added to these tablets, and they are keto-friendly. 

Receive four tubes of tablets for each different flavor for $19.00 on Amazon. Not a bad deal for 40 servings!

Pros

  • Replenishes electrolytes with a light taste
  • Inexpensive
  • It helps to boost energy levels for your runs and reduce fatigue

Cons

  • Some reviews suggested the taste wasn’t great

User Reviews:

Nuun Sport - Strawberry Lemonade Flavor Nuun Sport - Strawberry Lemonade Flavor
5.0

Effervescent Electrolyte Supplement, Strawberry Lemonade Flavor - 1 Tube of 10 Tablets.

  • Dairy Free
  • Gluten Free
  • GMO Free
  • Kosher
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

2. Hi-Lyte Advanced Electrolyte Capsules

If a dissolving tablet isn’t your thing, try Hi-Lyte electrolyte capsules. It’s as easy as swallowing a pill, literally.

It’s packed with potassium, sodium, and magnesium to rehydrate and help your body recover.

It’s also vegetarian, vegan, keto, and gluten-friendly.

Endurance athletes love Hi-Lyte because it’s made with sea minerals and is part of a clean-eating diet.

It works to fight nausea and cramping brought on by dehydration.

It’s priced at $24.86 for 100 tablets and is available on Amazon. 

Pros

  • Effective for rehydration and muscle recovery
  • Simple pill to swallow
  • It helps avoid muscle cramps
  • Takes effect rapidly

Cons

  • Some reviews suggest it’s weaker than some competitors

User Reviews:

Hi-Lyte Advanced Electrolyte Salt Capsules Hi-Lyte Advanced Electrolyte Salt Capsules
4.6

Electrolyte Replacement Tablets for Rapid Rehydration

  • Alleviates Cramps & Gentle on Stomach
  • Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium & Zinc +
  • 100 Capsules
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

3.Skratch Labs Sports Hydration Drink Mix

Skratch Labs is best known for bringing you an electrolyte drink filled with artificial flavors and added sugar. It comes in a powder form and has a wide variety of flavors to choose from that are refreshingly light.

It boasts twice the amount of sodium for avid runners as its competitors to replenish electrolytes to maintain your body’s fluid balance.

Add a scoop to your water, shake, and drink up those essential electrolytes. It works quickly to help avoid dehydration before it starts.

It’s available on Amazon for only $19.95.

Pros

  • Plant-based ingredients devoid of artificial flavors
  • Excellent taste
  • Provides hydration and helps avoid muscle cramps and fatigue
  • Works quickly
  • 50% less sugar than alternatives

Cons

  • Ensure you shake well as the powder can get lumpy

User Reviews:

SKRATCH LABS | Sport Hydration Drink Mix SKRATCH LABS | Sport Hydration Drink Mix
4.7
$21.95 ($1.42 / Ounce)

Vegan, plant based, verified non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free and Kosher. Only real fruit used for flavor and a light, refreshing taste. 50% less sugar and nearly 2x the sodium of the leading sports drink. An electrolyte profile to match what's lost in sweat, to rehydrate, and an optimized ratio of sodium & glucose for fast absorption and energy. Cycling, running, endurance or workout - perform better AND feel better.

  • No artificial colors, isolates, or preservatives that might cause GI distress
  • We reimagined sports drinks, stripping down to only the necessary ingredients
02/19/2024 02:04 am GMT

4. Endurolytes Fizz by Hammer Nutrition

With only ten calories per tablet, the Endurolytes Fizz is one of the best electrolyte supplements to keep your calorie count in check.

There are a variety of flavors, including a cola flavor that includes 20mg of caffeine for those who need a jump start. It keeps your electrolytes balanced and works quickly and efficiently. Never worry about artificial sweeteners or additives with this electrolyte supplement.

Pop in one of the effervescent tablets and enjoy your rehydration. They are priced between $4.21 and $11.01, depending on the amount your choose.

Pros

  • Great for preventing muscle contraction
  • Small packs for travel
  • Excellent for endurance athletes
  • Easy on your digestive system

Cons

  • Some reviews say the taste isn’t great

User Reviews:

Hammer Nutrition | Endurolytes Fizz Tablets Hammer Nutrition | Endurolytes Fizz Tablets
3.6

There are a variety of flavors, including a cola flavor that includes 20mg of caffeine for those who need a jump start. It keeps your electrolytes balanced and works quickly and efficiently. Never worry about artificial sweeteners or additives with this electrolyte supplement. 

  • Encourages steady fluid consumption.
  • Virtually free of calories & carbohydrates.

5. LMNT Recharge Electrolyte Drink Mix

When your carbs are low and fatigue sets in, LMNT Recharge helps to replace electrolytes and increase your endurance.

This keto-free, gluten-friendly, low-carb electrolyte drink comes in a powder form in single-use packets, making it easy to transport them when you’re on the go. Mix with 16 ounces of water, shake, and drink.

This sports drink is known for helping runners on a strict diet like keto. Buy it on Amazon for $20 for 12 packets.

Pros

  • Customer service is excellent
  • An efficient way to replace electrolytes and avoid muscle cramps
  • Promotes mental awareness
  • Excellent electrolyte supplement for those following the keto diet

Cons

  • Salty taste isn’t great for some people

User Reviews:

LMNT ELEMENTAL LABS LMNT LMNT ELEMENTAL LABS LMNT
4.6
$23.99 ($9.52 / Ounce)

Approximately 7-10% of the world's population suffers from sodium sensitivity. For those individuals, or those with fluid retention issues on the whole, additional sodium is generally not recommended, and our product is therefore not likely to be a good fit. However, approximately 90-93% of the world's population experiences no rise or only a modest, temporary increase in blood pressure.

  • Our products are carefully formulated with the perfect ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium
  • MNT is perfect for anyone interested in a keto, low-carb or intermittent fasting lifestyle, and a gluten-free diet
02/19/2024 04:01 pm GMT

6. Science in Sport GO Electrolyte

Science in Sport GO Electrolyte powder is excellent for runners as it features 36g of carbs to keep you going. We just heard our marathon runners cheer!

With less than 7g of sugar, you won’t experience a crash. Science in Sport is known for opposing substance abuse in sports, so you’ll never find artificial flavors or hidden ingredients in their hydration powder.

Get 40 servings on Amazon for $34.99 in either lemon-lime or orange flavor.

Pros

  • Great value for your money
  • Increased endurance during running workouts without the crash
  • The powder is easy to mix in water

Cons

  • The powder is fine, so it can potentially spill when using

User Reviews:

Science in Sport | Go Electrolyte Energy Drink Powder Science in Sport | Go Electrolyte Energy Drink Powder
4.6
$49.95 ($0.89 / Ounce)

SIS Electrolyte Powder has 36g of fast acting carbohydrates to use on-the-go. Helps you achieve your fueling needs for cycling, running, and all endurance sports.

  • Our low sugar formulation provides effective sustained energy to fuel your needs
  • With the perfect balance of carbohydrates and electrolytes
02/19/2024 12:14 am GMT

7. GU Hydration Drink Tabs

Like the Nuun Sport tablets, GU Hydration Drink Tabs come with four tubes of twelve tablets with all different flavors.

Pop an effervescent tablet in your drink and get all of the major electrolytes your body needs. These hydration tablets only contain ten calories and are vegan-friendly.

Use them before an intense workout to avoid electrolyte loss and replenish sodium levels. Get these hydration tablets for only $24.95 on Amazon.

Pros

  • Never worry about an upset stomach
  • Excellent taste
  • Works quickly to restore electrolyte balance
  • Inexpensive
  • Transports easy

Cons

  • Effervescent bubbles can be annoying for some

User Reviews:

Final Thoughts on Electrolytes

Runners everywhere should be excited about these fantastic options for restoring electrolyte balance.

It’s time for you to try a sports drink that isn’t filled with sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Any of these options work for your diet to increase endurance and fight fatigue and muscle cramps.

Check them out and thank us later.

Website | + posts

Kristen holds a bachelors in English from Louisianna university. With a longstanding passion for fitness, she owns and operate her own gym and is a certified jazzercise instructor.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *