GLOSSARY

Electrolyte Supplement concentrates ions for a purpose, with sodium amount, dilution and carbohydrate content varying across products.

Electrolytes form ions in solution and contribute to electrical conduction. Body ions support fluid balance, nerve signaling and muscle contraction. Not all minerals are equally important for sweat replacement. An electrolyte label guarantees neither sufficient sodium nor carbohydrate or water. Match the actual composition to exercise conditions and personal needs rather than assuming products with the same category name are interchangeable.

The mass of a salt or supplement compound is not its elemental mass. Reliable labels specify the element per serving, and the number of capsules per serving matters. Bone, sleep and multimineral products or sports drinks can overlap. Align units and serving amounts before summing, so compound weight or package size is not mistaken for actual elemental intake.

During prolonged or hot exercise, sodium can aid fluid retention and replace losses, but does not make excessive drinking safe. A short session with normal meals does not always require supplements. Coordinate water, fuel, sodium and digestive tolerance. The goal is not blindly replacing every estimated sweat number or finishing heavier because more fluid has been forced into the plan.