You may be storing your electrolyte beverages wrong.
Dont worry, weve got you.
Whatever the case may be, what happens when you dont finish that bottle in one sitting?
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Do the electrolytes lose their potency?
And, most importantly, how to properly store your electrolyte beverages.
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are tiny but mighty minerals that are essential for keeping your body functioning at its best.
The most common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium and phosphate.
Maintaining a proper balance of electrolytes is crucial to prevent cramping, fatigue, dehydration and headaches.
And, you may (or may not) need to supplement.
Lets explore this more.
Do You Need an Electrolyte Drink?
We certainly dont want you to spend your hard-earned money on something that isnt going to benefit you.
However, sports dietitians agree there may be certain situations where getting additional electrolytes via a drink is beneficial.
Its best to get an individualized plan from an expert before consistently adding them into your regimen.
Do Electrolyte Beverages Lose Their Efficacy After Opening?
Ehsani shares, Electrolyte beverages do have a shelf life like other foods and drinks.
Here are a few tips from sports nutrition experts to optimize electrolyte beverages' efficacy.
Sports dietitians recommend storing opened electrolyte beverages in the refrigerator, secured with the cap on.
Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S.Electrolytes.
In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
Earp JE, Stearns RL, Stranieri A, et al.Electrolyte beverage consumption alters electrically induced cramping threshold.
Biochem Med (Zagreb).
2017;27(1):225-230. doi:10.11613/BM.2017.024
Gatorade.
Frequently Asked Questions.How long can I keep a bottle of Gatorade to drink later?
Frequently Asked Questions.Storage and products stability.
