What Is Electrolyte Enhanced Water?

Companies claim drinking electrolyte enhanced water is beneficial.

Electrolyte enhanced water is produced by a number of different companies, primarily in bottles. It is designed to replace essential substances lost during exercise. But despite many of the companies' claims, there is still controversy over whether the beverages do what they say and benefit the casual user.

Features

Electrolyte enhanced water generally contains extra amounts of magnesium, potassium and sodium. Electrolytes are lost during strenuous activity, supposedly making these supplements beneficial to athletes and those who work out.

Function

The major benefits of electrolyte enhanced water come before exercise. Using these beverages can help prevent dehydration caused by sweating out electrolytes and water.

Industry Growth

Electrolyte enhanced water sales grew by 20 percent between 2007 and 2009. In 2008, the industry had sales of over $7.9 billion, while sales in soda have declined.

Misconceptions

While most bottled water companies claim electrolyte enhanced water provides a number of benefits, the Food and Drug Administration does not recognize most of them. It has the right to request information from the companies on mineral enhancements and hydration benefits.

Considerations

According to independent research by Lifexpand.com, people who exercise less than 60 minutes per day do not need electrolyte enhanced water. Plain water should suffice to recover any lost fluids.

References

• Getting to the Source of Bottled Water Industry Hype
• Sugar Free Endurance Sports Drinks
• Best Bottled Water Review

Resources

• Bottled Water Web