Why 500 mg of electrolytes in an endurance formula?
During prolonged exertion (trail running, marathon, cycling >2 hours, triathlon), sweat carries away significant quantities of minerals. Without adequate compensation, the fluid balance deteriorates, plasma volume decreases, and performance drops: accelerated fatigue, cramps, reduced power, or even hyponatremia in the event of excessive fluid intake without salt.
The targeted composition — 350 mg of sodium + a combined 150 mg of calcium, magnesium, and potassium — aims precisely to counteract these losses:
- Sodium (350 mg) remains the #1 element: it is the electrolyte most lost in sweat (average 500–1500 mg per liter depending on individuals and conditions). It maintains blood volume, stimulates intestinal reabsorption of fluids and carbohydrates, and activates physiological thirst. Concrete result: better fluid retention, more efficient gastric emptying, and preservation of performance over long distances (less dehydration >2% and fewer risks of cramps related to hypovolemia).
- Calcium, magnesium, and potassium (150 mg total): these three minerals play a direct role in muscle contraction/relaxation, nerve transmission, and ATP production. Even if their sweat losses are lower (K+ ~150–400 mg/L, Mg and Ca <<), their complementary intake helps to limit neuromuscular fatigue and early cramps, especially when the effort extends and intracellular reserves are depleted.
In Elixyr, these 500 mg of scientifically balanced electrolytes offer a realistic and accessible optimization: enough to compensate for a significant portion of endurance losses, without unnecessary excess or excessive plasma dilution.