US-based sports drink company Elete Electrolyte have devised this zero-calorie drink that contains several key electrolytes to help you stay hydrated.
Besides sodium and chloride (normal salt), Elete contains magnesium, potassium and sulphate ions. They're sourced from Utah's Great Salt Lake, with extra potassium chloride and purified water added. Elete lacks calcium, hydrogen carbonate and hydrogen phosphate - which are the other electrolyes considered important for physiological processes - but says that the product contains the right electrolytes to promote hydration. The company also claims that "the Salt Lake water contains many other valuable trace and ultra-trace minerals [not listed - ed] in addition to the electrolytes - it is this combination of ‘ingredients’ which contribute to its overall efficacy."
The salty, clear liquid can be added to any drink, and although it’s not designed to replace lost energy, we did notice a significant reduction in the amount of fluid we had to drink after a hard training session. During a session, we tended to drink the same as we normally would (there was a faint salty aftertaste). It also proved to be a handy hangover cure.
Each 25ml bottle makes 10 litres and costs £6.49/US$4.99. It's available in other sizes too. On the surface of it, this doesn't seem expensive, but we would feel uncomfortable paying this much for what is essentially salty water.
