Electrolyte tablets and supplements contain a blend of minerals, known as electrolytes, which are essential for our bodies to function normally. We can lose electrolytes through sweat, or when dehydrated. Sometimes, our diet simply doesn’t contain enough of these vital substances. Using electrolyte tablets and supplements can help restore these to an optimal level.
We reviewed dozens of electrolyte tablets and supplements to identify the best of the best. We looked at features including the method of delivery, the levels of individual electrolytes within each supplement, and whether they suited a range of dietary requirements.
Our top pick is the Liquid I.V Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Powder. This specialized powder comes in handy, single-serve sachets, meaning you can easily keep them at-hand wherever you are. Designed to help you feel better, faster, this powder gives you a boost of electrolytes to add to your water so that your body can restore a healthy fluid balance. 1
[toc]
The 5 Top-Rated Electrolyte Tablets and Supplements
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating | Coverage Area | Humidifier Type | Control Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Aprilaire 600 Whole Home Humidifier | 4,000 sq. ft. | By-Pass | Automatic | |
| Best Budget | Aprilaire 500MZ 500M Whole Home Humidifier | 3,000 sq. ft. | By-Pass | Manual | |
| Best Console-Style Humidifier | AIRCARE MA1201 | 3,600 sq. ft. | Evaporative | Automatic | |
| Best Wood Panel Humidifier | AIR H12-400HB 4-Speed Whole-House Humidifier | 2,500 sq. ft. | Evaporative | Automatic | |
| Best Water-Saving Humidifier | Honeywell Home HE280A2001 | 2,000 to 4,000 sq. ft. | By-Pass | Manual |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Powder
Our top pick out of all the electrolyte tablets and supplements we reviewed is the Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Powder. This powdered electrolyte supplement uses the breakthrough science of Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) so that a specific and healthy ratio of sodium, potassium, and glucose is rapidly delivered into your bloodstream.
The Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Powder contains 11 essential minerals and vitamins, as well as 3 times the electrolytes of many traditional sports drinks.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Powder Key Features:
- 100% vegan
- 16 servings
- 3 flavors: acai berry, lemon lime, and passion fruit
Our Runner Up Pick: Nuun Hydration Electrolyte Drink Tablets
For our runner up pick, we selected the Nuun Hydration Electrolyte Drink Tablets. Each one of these tablets contains a blend of sodium, magnesium, and calcium electrolytes. These electrolytes (and others) help your body to retain fluid balance during exercise, push nutrients into your cells and ensure your heart, nerves and muscles work properly. 2
Nuun is low in carbohydrates and sugars, containing just 10 calories per serving.
Nuun Hydration Electrolyte Drink Tablets Key Features:
- Available in 5 flavors
- Pack contains 40 tablets (10 per tube)
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
Best Budget Pick: Electrolyte Mix Super Hydration Formula
Dr. Price’s Electrolyte Mix Super Hydration Formula is a good buy for those on a budget.
This pack contains 30 individually wrapped sachets of single-serve powder, meaning they can easily be kept in your gym bag, backpack, or anywhere else that’s convenient for you.
Per the company, this powder contains a blend of 72 trace minerals and electrolytes, designed to help all types of individuals. It’s designed to mix easily and rapidly with water, as well as provide fast absorption of electrolytes as soon as you start drinking.
Dr. Price’s Electrolyte Mix Super Hydration Formula Key Features:
- Sugar-free
- 30 sachets
- 100% vegan
Best Electrolyte Tablets: Science in Sport Go Hydro Electrolyte Tablets
Our pick for the best electrolyte tablets is the Science in Sport Go Hydro Electrolyte Tablets.
These are designed to make sure you’re effectively hydrated so that you can produce your best performance when exercising. Losing more than 2% of your body weight in fluid loss can negatively impact your athletic performance. 3
Science in Sport Go Hydro Electrolyte Tablets Key Features:
- Available in 3 flavors: lemon, cola, and berry
- 20 tablets per tube
- Only 10 calories per tablet
Best Electrolyte Powder: Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder
Our choice for the best electrolyte powder is the Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder. This is naturally sweetened using organic stevia leaf extract. The low sodium blend is suitable for many users who get enough sodium in their diet already.
The plant-based colors and real fruit flavors used in this powder are non-GMO, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. Each canister contains enough powder for 90 individual servings.
Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder Key Features:
- No carbs, sugar, or calories
- Available in 5 flavors
- 100% vegan
Who Should Buy Electrolyte Tablets and Supplements
Athletes who exercise at moderate to high intensity for an hour or more may benefit from using electrolyte tablets and supplements. 4 Do electrolytes improve athletic performance? Not directly. More research is needed to determine if micronutrient and trace mineral supplementation have an effect on athletic performance. 5
What’s important for athletic performance is making sure you stay hydrated, and electrolytes help regulate the fluid in your body so you function optimally. 6
As for the rest of us who exercise moderately, we often don’t need additional electrolyte supplements if we eat a healthy diet. However, there may be certain cases where non-athletes would benefit from taking an electrolyte supplement: during illness, dehydration or malnutrition.
In these situations, using an electrolyte tablet or supplement may prevent you from developing symptoms caused by low electrolyte levels. One main function of electrolytes is to push nutrients into your cells and waste out of your cells. 7 So, if you’ve been feeling sluggish, it may indicate that your diet (therefore your electrolyte intake) is subpar. Read more in our post about How to Get More Electrolytes (and When You Need Them).
Important Features to Consider
The most well-rounded electrolyte tablets and supplements contain the same few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting the best electrolyte tablet or supplement to suit your needs:
- Electrolyte levels. Many electrolyte tablets and supplements contain sodium, which is also found in our diets in the form of salt, processed foods, canned foods, condiments, fast food, pickled foods and more. 8 A vast majority of Americans consume more than 3400mg sodium per day (the recommendation is 2300mg). 9 So, we all have to pay attention to sodium levels in our diet and any electrolyte supplement we take. If you think you already meet or exceed the recommended daily amount, select a supplement with either low or no sodium, or reduce the amount in your diet to compensate.
- Format. Electrolyte supplements come in a range of formats, including tablets, powders, capsules, and liquids. Some of these, such as tablets or individually wrapped powders, are more travel-friendly than others. Choose the format which best suits how and when you’ll be wanting to use it.
- Dietary requirements. If you are vegetarian, vegan, have high blood pressure or diabetes, then make sure you select a supplement which is suitable for your dietary requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are electrolyte supplements and how do they work?
The main electrolytes that our body needs are sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphate. 10 11 These electrolytes are essential to maintaining basic functions of life. We can lose electrolytes through sweat, vomit and diarrhea. Our levels can be compromised when we’re dehydrated or ill.
What are the symptoms of low electrolytes?
These can vary depending on the level of the deficiency. Someone with a very mild electrolyte imbalance may not experience any symptoms. More severe deficiencies can include symptoms such as: 12
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Nausea
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Numbness or tingling
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Seizures
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to speak to your doctor.
What is the best source of electrolytes?
The best way to ensure you’re getting enough electrolytes is to stick to a diet that includes food such as:
- Fruits and vegetables including bananas, sweet potatoes, and avocados (potassium)
- Nuts and seeds (magnesium)
- Table salt, pickles, and cheese (sodium)
- Leafy green vegetables and dairy products (calcium)
- Table salt, seaweed, tomatoes, and olives (chloride)
What’s the fastest way to replenish electrolytes?
Using an electrolyte tablet or supplement is one of the best ways to rapidly increase your body’s levels of available electrolytes.
Some foods are also excellent at providing a quick boost of electrolytes. These choices include bananas, yogurt, avocados, and coconut water.
Other Electrolyte Tablets and Supplements We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other electrolyte tablets and supplements. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best electrolyte tablets and supplements, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Electrolyte Tablets
MAX-Hydrate Endurance Electrolyte Fizzing Tablets
These effervescent tablets are gluten-free, sugar-free, and certified vegan.
Key Features:
- Citrus flavor
- Pack contains 80 tablets (8 tubes)
- Perfect for after sports
Cost: $37
Nuun Active Orange Electrolyte Tablets
These tablets are designed with a light orange flavor and should be dissolved in 16 ounces of water for optimum effect.
Key Features:
- Pack contains 60 tablets (6 tubes)
- Contains plant-based sweeteners
- Non-GMO ingredients
Cost: $37
Nuun Hydration Electrolyte and Caffeine Drink Tablets
These electrolyte tablets also contain caffeine for focus, as well as B-vitamins
Key Features:
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
- 40 tablets (4 tubes)
- Mixed flavors: cherry limeade, fresh lime, mango orange, and wild berry
Cost: $21
These tablets contain four important electrolytes: potassium, sodium, chloride and bicarbonate.
Key Features:
- 24 tablets per pack
- Suitable for vegans
- Lactose-free
Cost: $13
Precision Hydration Lite Electrolyte Drink
These tablets provide 750mg of sodium per capsule mixed with water. For people who suffer from low blood pressure, they may benefit from a higher sodium product. Otherwise, 1 tablet provides about a third of your daily sodium needs, so make sure to reduce sodium in your diet as much as possible.
Key Features:
- Citrus flavor
- 10 tablets per tube
- Low-calorie
Cost: $13
Electrolyte Powders
This product provides 5 out of 7 of the main electrolytes your body needs, along with additional trace minerals.
Key Features:
- Raspberry and lemon flavor
- Contains 45 servings
- Includes a blend of 5 essential electrolytes
Cost: $38
Emergen-C ElectroMix Electrolyte Replacement
This electrolyte powder contains a blend of potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Key Features:
- Free from sodium, sugar, and gluten
- Contains 30 servings, in individual packets
- Lemon-lime flavor
Cost: $9
Science in Sport Go Electrolyte Energy Drink Powder
This powder contains 5 electrolytes, as well as carbohydrates for both hydration and energy.
Key Features:
- Available in 3 flavors: raspberry, orange, and lemon lime
- Contains 12 servings
- Designed for athletes
Cost: $15
Ultima Replenisher Hydrating Electrolyte Powder
This powder uses a blend of clean, GMO-free ingredients. It is naturally sweetened with organic stevia leaf extract.
Key Features:
- Includes 6 electrolytes, and support minerals
- Pink lemonade flavor
- Contains 90 servings
Cost: $40
Vitalyte Electrolyte Powder Sports Drink
The isotonic formula of this powder contains a blend of electrolytes and glucose, designed to help shift fluid and feed your cells.
Key Features:
- 5 flavors: cool citrus, fruit punch, grape, lemon, and orange
- Contains 80 servings
- No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners
Cost: $19
Electrolyte Capsules
Ameriden Rosavin Plus Electrolyte Capsules
These capsules contain electrolytes and Siberian Rhodiola rose extract, designed to increase energy, stamina, and mental clarity. 13 14
Key Features:
- 90 capsules
- GMO-free
- Take 2 capsules per day
Cost: $47
Health by Principle Electrolyte Supplement
These capsules contain a blend of potassium, sodium, and iodine.
Key Features:
- Suitable for vegans
- 100 capsules
- Take 2 capsules per day
Cost: $28
Long Run Electrolytes Endurance Catalyst Capsules
These capsules are designed for endurance athletes who may need additional electrolytes to make up for what’s lost during extended periods of exercise.
Key Features:
- 120 capsules
- Contain a blend of 5 electrolytes
- Serving size is 2 capsules
Cost: $13
NutriBiotic Essential Electrolytes
These vegan capsules contain 7 types of electrolytes.
Key Features:
- 200 capsules
- Contain 7 electrolytes
- Help improve performance and recovery times
Cost: $35
Primitive Scientific Electrolytes From Whole Foods
The electrolytes within these capsules are extracted from 100% natural, botanical sources including ginger, algae, cherry, and coconuts.
Key Features:
- Contain a blend of 8 electrolytes
- 30 servings
- Formulated for maximum rapid bioavailability
Cost: $20
Electrolyte Liquid Supplements
Elete Electrolyte Add-In Liquid
This electrolyte add-in liquid is one of the only unflavored liquid-based electrolyte supplements on the list.
Key Features:
- Contains 4 essential electrolytes
- Sugar-free
- 220 servings
Cost: $27
Great Value Electrolyte Drink Enhancer
This orange flavor, liquid electrolyte supplement is gluten, calorie, and sugar-free.
Key Features:
- 2-pack, with 24 servings per pack
- Contains a blend of electrolytes, and B vitamins
- Natural flavoring
Cost: $19
MiO Fit Berry Blast Liquid Water Enhancer
This concentrated, liquid water enhancer is perfect if you’re looking for a space-saving electrolyte supplement.
Key Features:
- 4-pack, with 18 servings per pack
- Contains a blend of electrolytes, and B vitamins
- Compact size
Cost: $23
Oral IV Hydration Shot Liquid Supplement
This liquid supplement is designed to be added to 8 ounces of water for instant, natural hydration.
Key Features:
- Made in the USA
- 12 servings
- Contains a blend of 11 electrolytes and trace minerals
Cost: $40
PediaVance Liquid Electrolyte Concentrate Mix
The innovative LiquidStick packaging of this supplement is easy to use – simply snap open, squeeze, and add to water.
Key Features:
- Available in grape or apple flavor
- Contains organic juice, and stevia
- Uses scientifically balanced minerals
Cost: $12
Article Sources
Healing Daily uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- US National Library of Medicine. Fluid and electrolyte balance. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 1, 2020.
- US National Library of Medicine. Fluid and electrolyte balance. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 1, 2020.
- Wolfram T. Hydrate right. Eatright.org. Published May 3, 2018. Accessed October 2, 2020.
- Wolfram T. Hydrate right. Eatright.org. Published May 3, 2018. Accessed October 2, 2020.
- Heffernan SM, Horner L, De Vito G, Conway CE. The role of mineral and trace element supplementation in exercise and athletic performance: A systematic review. Nutrients. 2019;11(3):696. doi:10.3390/nu11030696
- Wolfram T. Hydrate right. Eatright.org. Published May 3, 2018. Accessed October 2, 2020.
- US National Library of Medicine. Fluid and electrolyte balance. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 1, 2020.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Sodium in your diet. FDA.gov. Accessed October 2, 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control. Get the facts: Sodium and the Dietary Guidelines. CDC.gov. Published October 2017. Accessed October 2, 2020.
- Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. StatPearls. Published September 12, 2020. Accessed October 2, 2020.
- US National Library of Medicine. Fluid and electrolyte balance. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 1, 2020.
- Wolfram T. Hydrate right. Eatright.org. Published May 3, 2018. Accessed October 2, 2020.
- Olsson EM, von Schéele B, Panossian AG. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Med. 2009;75(2):105-112. doi:10.1055/s-0028-1088346
- Lekomtseva Y, Zhukova I, Wacker A. Rhodiola rosea in subjects with prolonged or chronic fatigue symptoms: Results of an open-label clinical trial. Complement Med Res. 2017;24(1):46-52. doi:10.1159/000457918
