When it comes to hydration, the quality of your electrolytes matters just as much as the quantity. Most people focus on how much sodium, potassium, and magnesium a product has—but overlook the form those minerals come in. The truth is, not all forms are equally absorbed or tolerated by the body.
In this breakdown, I examined the most common types of electrolytes used in today’s top hydration products and ranked them based on bioavailability, effectiveness, and gut tolerance. Sodium chloride and sodium citrate lead the way for quick absorption. Potassium citrate and magnesium di-malate offer high bioavailability without the digestive issues found in cheaper forms like magnesium oxide or potassium gluconate.
NXT Hydration ranks near the top with 800 mg of sodium from pink Himalayan salt, 300 mg of potassium from potassium chloride, and 60 mg of magnesium di-malate—all highly absorbable and effective forms.