The amount of minerals in the body varies greatly. In total, they represent about 4% of body weight . They are involved in many bodily functions , including mineralization, muscle, nerve and immune functions, control of water balance, and enzyme and hormonal systems (1).
During intense sports, minerals can be eliminated in large quantities through sweat. Sweating will lead to losses of sodium, chlorine, potassium and magnesium which must be counterbalanced by diet and hydration (2).
During physical exertion, electrolytes can play an important role in maintaining body functions.
• Sodium (Na+):
Sodium is an important electrolyte in balancing osmotic pressure. It also plays a role in nerve function and muscle contraction.
During intense physical activity, sodium is excreted through perspiration. Losses can be very high, especially in hot and humid weather conditions.
Decreased sodium levels are frequently accompanied by nausea, malaise, and edema (3).
• Potassium (K+):
Potassium plays an essential role in muscle function and nerve transmission. Additionally, it plays a role in water exchange across cell membranes to maintain fluid levels and regulate blood pressure.
Although potassium deficiency is rare, it causes muscle weakness and leads to muscle fragility during exercise. These deficiencies can occur during intense physical activity, particularly in hot and humid weather conditions that lead to high sweating rates (3).
• The chloride ion (Cl-):
Chlorine is present in the body in the form of chloride ions. It is involved in maintaining osmotic, muscular, and nervous functions.
It is often included in electrolyte drink formulations to support overall electrolyte balance and acid-base balance (3).
• Magnesium (Mg2+):
Magnesium plays an important role in nerve transmission, energy metabolism, muscle function, and electrolyte balance. Extracellular magnesium accounts for only 1% of total magnesium. Therefore, magnesium levels (magnesium levels in the blood) are not the best indicator of magnesium status. However, it does provide an idea of magnesium levels.
Magnesium loss during physical exertion is often only temporary and returns to normal levels within 24 hours following exercise. This is mainly due to a redistribution of magnesium from the body's various compartments.
Although magnesium loss is lower than that of other micronutrients, magnesium supplementation may be beneficial for some people. However, studies have shown that magnesium supplementation does not result in improved performance (3),(4).
Where does Holyfat electrolyte drink come from?
Holyfat electrolyte drink is manufactured by a French company specializing in the production of powdered products in the field of sports nutrition, certified ISO 22000. In a 20g sachet, the Holyfat drink contains:
- 1000mg of sodium
- 750mg of potassium
- 1000mg of chloride ions present in NACL
- 140mg of magnesium
Sources:
1. Minerals. ANSES - French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety. 2022.
https://www.anses.fr/fr/content/les-minéraux
2. Athletes and mineral salts . VIDAL. 2019.
https://www.vidal.fr/sante/nutrition/equilibre-alimentaire-sportif/vitamines-minerals-sportifs/sels-mineraux.html
3. Dietary reference values for vitamins and minerals. ANSES - French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety. 2022.
https://www.anses.fr/en/content/dietary-reference-values-vitamins-and-minerals
4. Bigard X, Guezennec CY. Sports Nutrition. Chapter 6. 3rd ed. Elsevier Masson; 2017.
https://www.elsevier.com/fr-fr/connect/sport-et-pertes-en-vitamines-minerals-trace elements