What Are They, How They Work, and Why Athletes Need Them
Electrolytes are essential minerals that help your body move, contract muscles, and stay hydrated during physical activity. When you sweat, you lose them, and without replacing them, performance can quickly drop (Sawka et al., 2007 ↗; Maughan, 2010 ↗).
That’s why electrolytes are a core part of Underdogs Energy Gummies — they help support hydration and muscle function while delivering fast, usable energy.
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge in the body. The main ones involved in exercise include:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
These minerals are dissolved in our body's fluids, like blood and sweat, and help control fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signaling (Sawka et al., 2007 ↗).
How do Electrolytes Work
Electrolytes help move water into and out of cells and support the electrical signals that allow muscles to contract. During exercise, especially endurance or high-intensity efforts, sweat losses can create water and electrolyte deficits that increase strain and degrade performance (Sawka et al., 2007 ↗; Shirreffs & Sawka, 2011 ↗).
Sodium matters most because it helps with hydration and supports nerve and muscle function. Other electrolytes (like potassium and magnesium) help with muscle contraction and relaxation.
Why Electrolytes Matter
Runners, Cyclists, and Endurance Athletes
Longer sessions and heavy sweating increase electrolyte loss. Replacing electrolytes—especially sodium—can help support hydration and sustained performance (Shirreffs & Sawka, 2011 ↗; Maughan, 2010 ↗).
Heat, altitude, and long efforts can increase sweat losses. In these conditions, water alone may not fully replace what’s lost through sweat (Maughan, 2010 ↗).
Lifters and High-Intensity Trainers
Strength training and HIIT can also produce meaningful fluid and mineral loss, especially in hot conditions. Electrolytes support muscle contraction and nerve signaling—which matters when you’re trying to keep output high across sets (Sawka et al., 2007 ↗).
Signs You May Need Electrolytes
You may benefit from taking electrolytes if you experience:
- Muscle cramping
- Heavy or salty sweat
- Fatigue during longer sessions
- Headaches or lightheadedness after training
- Declining performance despite fueling
Hydration helps, but water alone doesn’t replace sodium and other minerals lost in sweat (Sawka et al., 2007 ↗).
Electrolytes in Underdogs Energy Gummies
Underdogs Energy Gummies are built for athletes who want fast, easy-to-use fuel. Alongside carbohydrates and caffeine, our gummies include over 300mg of electrolytes per serving to help support hydration and muscle function.
Gummies are chewable and portable—making them easier to use than powders or bottles in situations where convenience matters (long runs, rides, hikes, or gym sessions).
When Should You Use Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are most helpful during:
- Workouts longer than about 60 minutes
- Hot or humid conditions
- High-sweat athletes
- Intense or repeated training sessions
Key Takeaways
Electrolytes are essential for hydration, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling. When you sweat, you lose electrolytes and performance can suffer if they aren’t replaced (Sawka et al., 2007 ↗).
Athletes of all types—runners, cyclists, swimmers, rowers, hikers, and lifters—can benefit from replenishing electrolytes during longer, hotter, or more intense sessions.
Underdogs Energy Gummies provide electrolytes alongside fast carbohydrates and caffeine to support energy, hydration, and performance in a simple, chewable format.