Electrolytes

Electrolyte Supplementation...

We just returned from an equine endurance event where electrolyte supplementation is commonplace. And, of course, with the rising temperatures, electrolyte supplementation becomes just one of many daily supplements that we often feed our horses during the summer months.

So the question becomes "What should we look for in an appropriate electrolyte product?"

Almost all brands of equine electrolytes essentially provide the same "Big Three" basic ions lost in sweat—sodium, chloride and potassium, with lesser amounts of calcium and magnesium.

A tiny bit of sugar might help with absorption, but it should NOT be the primary ingredient contrary to popular belief. As a matter of fact, research suggests that the absence or presence of sugar (glucose, dextrose, molasses, etc.) in an electrolyte product has little to no impact on the overall uptake and utilization of the electrolyte ions in the horse.

Therefore, the only real differences between major brands of electrolytes is going to be the concentration of the ions, and sometimes a few extra niceties added in —-sodium bicarbonate (not recommended for endurance horses), BCAAs, different flavoring agents, minerals, pre/probiotics, buffers, etc.

If a horse “prefers” one brand over another, its likely due to the added sugar or flavoring agent(s) and less likely due to providing a decent dose of the ions you’re actually trying to replace that are routinely lost in sweat.

Also keep in mind, that many horses do quite well with just supplemental salt (sodium chloride) on a daily basis, as their forage, when fed free choice, often provides sufficient potassium. Its only when they are sweating excessively or working hard that one might need to resort to supplementing with a commercial electrolyte product.

Thus, the most appropriate electrolyte product should focus on the "Big Three" - sodium, chloride, and potassium. The ingredient list should reflect something like 75-80% salts (e.g. sodium chloride & potassium chloride) and 20-25% other ingredients.

Steer clear of electrolyte products that list sugar as the primary ingredient (often listed in descending order on the ingredient list), products that make claims that you absolutely need sugar to be "immediately absorbed," or anything with a "proprietary blend."