Best Salt Tablets for Running Tested
Hydration is crucial, and something not to be taken lightly, so finding the right products is more important than many people actually realize. Salt tablets are no exception.
We have done some research, and found out some really helpful information, guiding us in the right direction with regards to the use and effectiveness of salt tablets. After you have a chance to scan our list, check out all of the info we and shared below.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Potency
The human body needs sodium in order to function properly. Sodium primarily helps the body to regulate fluid. It first regulates the blood volume of fluid available so that the body's cardiovascular system can perform all the necessary functions. Sodium also helps maintain the body's acid and base balance and is particularly important in establishing and maintaining the right balance of potassium and sodium levels needed in providing energy to muscles.
This is beneficial for all people in that it helps to regulate blood pressure because it helps to hold on to the water and liquid portion of your blood. Specifically for runners, though, this function of sodium in absorbing water helps the athlete to take in and hold water longer, aiding in more efficient hydration. Sodium also plays a large role in helping muscles to contract, which is obviously very important during exercise. Because sodium chloride is an electrically charged particle, muscle cells keep these electrically charged particles close to the muscle until they are needed in producing energy to help the muscle contract. Therefore, an effective salt tablet will replenish the salt lost through perspiration, help regulate water and hydration, and assist in the functioning of muscles.
Product Purity
Our criteria of value take into account more than just price. It also considers what all you are getting for your money, including other precious resources like time, level of pleasantness (i.e. is it tasty?), and overall convenience. We do not just look at total cost of a bottle or package of salt tablets, but also consider per serving costs. It is also always important to take into account how well known or renown the product, brand, or manufacturer is, as well as any awards the product or company might have won.
These awards and titles go a long way because you can trust that they are peer reviewed by knowledgeable sources who know what is what. The cost of the tablets on our list (as listed on Amazon) range from $15 to almost $40 in total expenditures. However, to better gauge what is the best bang for your book, it is advised to pay more attention to per serving costs. For instance, LyteShow's Electrolyte Concentrate formula can be purchased by the bottle for $15, the lowest overall cost of products on our list.
However, each bottle is only 4 servings, which breaks down into nearly four dollars per serving (which is quite high). But if you were to purchase LyteShow's product, you will get a drinkable salt supplement which may be overall more enjoyable and easier for you to consume during a long, hot run. (And because you probably are not consuming salt tablets every day, on every single run - but instead, maybe only a few times a month, - then the higher cost might be worth it because you do not need the product very often anyway.)
On the other hand, Thermotab's Buffered Salt Tablets can be bought for a total cost of $20, but this includes three bottles of 100 tablets in each bottle. That breaks down to roughly $6.75 per bottle or a measly six cents per capsule. Take into consideration how much of the product you will likely be consuming, as well as your personal preference on taste, amount of the supplement that is recommended, (i.e. popping one large pill is one thing, but you might not be as keen on having to take three large pills each time you need the supplement) etc.
Materials
If you are purchasing a salt tablet, you obviously want the main ingredient (if not, the only ingredient) to be sodium. With the exception of just a few sodium tablets, all the products featured on our list contain more ingredients than just sodium chloride. Salt tablets often also contain other ingredients, especially other electrolytes to aid in the process of muscle reactivity and nervous system response times. The main electrolytes are magnesium, potassium, zinc, bicarbonate, and sulfate. Each product we have featured here contains these electrolytes in differing amounts.
Some of the salt tablets on our list also have other vitamins, minerals, and naturally occurring spices and extracts contained in them to benefit overall health. These nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are known to provide health benefits such as increased energy and alertness, aid in overall bone health, and act as antioxidants do in protecting against free radicals. Some of the products on our list are sold in a liquid form and meant to be consumed as a liquid.
This can be especially beneficial to ultra runners or long distance endurance athletes because you can kill two birds with one stone: the sodium supplements will help replenish not only salt lost through sweat, but also give your body a much-needed energy boost through the carbohydrates found in the added sugars. The quality of the ingredients contained in each salt tablet is important to us as well. We try and include products that only use safe and easily digestible ingredients.
Top 10 Picks
1. Medique Medi-Lyte
Medique Medi-Lyte is something that can be taken on an as-needed basis to help keep the body properly hydrated. Packages come in sizes of 100 or 500 tablets, and the prices that are being asked for each size are truly phenomenal. These are some of the cheapest yet best salt tablets for running you’ll find, and they also do a heck of a job at giving you the strength and energy you expect from such a product.
2. Elite Electrolyte Salt Tablets
Elite Electrolyte Salt Tablets are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee no matter how you feel about them. We are pretty sure, due to their purity and effectiveness, that you will feel less dehydrated and more activated during your longer runs.
Read moreIngredients
Not only does Elite guarantee your satisfaction, they are also proud of their zero-calorie, vegetarian formula. There are no added GMOs, soy or nuts, sweeteners, artificial colors or banned substances in their supplements.
They are crafted with:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium Chloride
- Sodium Chloride
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Himalayan Pink Salt
Each tablet is also carb free and perfect for those following a Keto or Paleo lifestyle.
Potency
Each tablet allows for the same potency as other brands offer in multiple tablets. For every 30 min to an hour, you only need one and you are set. Their high potency offers the best rehydration and muscle replenishment you can get in one tablet.
Value
The fact you only need one at a time makes the bottle last longer. They are great for more than just extensive running as well. They work for anyone who likes to hike, camp or drink.
No more hikers fatigue due to lack of electrolytes and they get you nice and hydrated for when you went a little to hard the night before. The value is well worth the level of recuperation you get.
3. Hi-Lyte Advanced
Salt, coming straight to you from the Great Salt Lake in Utah, Hi-Lyte Advanced claim is they are equipped with the highest level of electrolytes available in one capsule. These are a perfectly balanced supplement for muscle and energy fatigue. Hi-Lyte is also a great choice for those that follow a clean lifestyle.
Read moreIngredients
This is more than just a salt supplement, Hy-LyteAdvanced Electrolyte Salt Caps are a support system put pill form.
Their basic bio-available ingredients are:
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Vitamin D3
These are backed up with B6 for energy and balancing potassium and sodium. Hi-Lyte added L-tyrosine for assisted adrenal and thyroid function, which when added to everything else, makes it an idea electrolyte supplement for POTS, EDC, CF, and Addison’s disease.
Potency
One capsule is all you need to get your muscles hydrated and repaired every 30 to 60 minutes while active. There are no fillers, artificial flavors, GMOs or animal byproducts in this pill either that would interfere with pure absorbency of the potent and energetic electrolyte salt tab.
Value
Hy-lit is a great option for any one's salt uptake. It hydrates the muscles while aiding in other parts of the body that normally wouldn't even be looked at in other Salt Tab Supplements. They didn't make t pricer due to this either. They offer a 100% money back guarantee as well so you can give them a go without the worry of wasting a dime.
4. SaltStick FASTCHEWS
In addition to their claim as having the sole chewable with the balance of a near sweat electrolyte profile, SaltStick Fast chews are crafted to correct lack of electrolytes in high endurance athletes as well as those that suffer from dehydration due to illnesses or bad decisions.
SaltStick Fastchews are easy to take and offer a fast absorption with less dosage. They aid you in most heat-stressing situations, relieve cramping, and can assist as a hangover remedy.
Read moreIngredients
Sweetened using natural stevia extract, each SaltStick Fastchew serving contains only 10 calories. They use Bio-available, vegetarian-friendly ingredients that are free of gluten, GMO’s, soy and nuts.
Their electrolyte formula contains:
- 6mg Magnesium
- 10mg Calcium
- 30mg Potassium
- 100mg Sodium
Their sodium content is a sodium citrate derivative that is proven to be gentler on the stomach. SaltStick also claims their formula is the closest you will get to the electrolyte balance in your actual sweat.
Other ingredients are vitamin D, zink and Himalayan pink salt.
Potency
SaltStick Fastchews being developed from the ratio of real sweat makes them more effective than some brands. Whereas other brand dose suggestions are higher, Fastchews were crafted to offer more of what you need in a 2 pill serving very half to full hour depending on activity or need.
To add, each tablet comes in orange or lemon-lime flavor to make consumption a little fruitier and easier on the palate. The fact they are chewable makes them absorb faster through the mouth tissue.
Value
There are a couple SaltStick products on our 10 Best Salt Tablets Line. Not only are they efficient, they aren't overpriced. SaltStick keeps a high standard to their supplement production, offering well made and well-priced products, something we can appreciate.
5. Nuun Performance Hydration
Nuun Performance Hydration is specially formulated for marathon runners, triathletes, and athletes engaging in intense long workouts. Just like its counterpart, Nuun Active, it uses all natural ingredients and is certified vegan and gluten-free.
6. Thermotabs Salt Supplement
The Thermotabs Salt Supplement is a more basic product that just does exactly what you need it to do. Each tablet that you take should be taken with a full glass of water. You can take 5 or 10 each day, with the amount depending on the temperature outside and the intensity of your runs. The price you pay for 100 tablets is dramatically lower than anything else on this list so far, offering some incredible value for your dollar.
7. Succeed S! Caps
Succeed S! Caps were formulated with the electrolyte profile of blood plasma in mind. This electrolyte supplement is perfect for long runs on hot days because it contains the proper amount and combination of sodium, potassium, Phosphate, and citrate for effective energy production
8. Nuun Active
To get the best from Nunn Active tablets, you’ll need to consume with a 16-ounce glass of water. This can be done either before, during, or after your workout has been completed. The pill then transforms the overall flavor of your water to give you a tasty drink while also replenishing your electrolytes at the same time. The upfront cost of Nunn Active is definitely on the high end of things, but you can get a bundle of either 8 or 4 tubes at once. When you take this into consideration, there’s actually a pretty good bang for your buck being offered here.
9. SaltStick caps
Popular among elite athletes all over, SaltStick Caps effectively increase hydration levels throughout long runs and competitions. They should be taken in the form of 1 single pill every 30 – 60 minutes of running. You get 100 capsules with the SaltStick Caps, but you’re also going to have be taking them more frequently than the Rapid Rehydr8. The price is also slightly higher, so this isn’t the most affordable option out there.
Sources
- Salt Tablets, Informational Sports Web Page Article ,
- The Actions of Sodium in the Human Body, Health and Fitness Online Magazine Article ,
- http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Black-pepper-extract-could-fight-fat-by-blocking-cell-formation, Health and Wellness Online Web Page Article ,
- Salt and the Athlete: Shake it Or Leave It?, Active.com Informational Health and Nutrition Article ,
- Hyponatremia, Mayo Clinic Health and Wellness Article ,
- Common High Blood Pressure Myths, American Heart Association Health and Wellness Article ,
- Salt's Effect on Your Body, Blood Pressure UK Health and Wellness Article ,
- What are Electrolytes? What Causes Electrolyte Imbalance?, Medical News Today Informational Health Article ,
- Pass the Salt?, Runner's World Nutrition Article ,
- What Are Electrolytes… And Why Are They So Important?, Built Lean Nutritional Article ,