Hydration supplements are powders, tablets or drinks containing electrolytes and other ingredients designed to complement fluid intake, particularly around exercise and sweating.

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids. Important electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride.

Electrolyte drinks provide fluid alongside minerals such as sodium and potassium, making them useful for replacing electrolytes during or after periods of significant sweating.

Hydration refers to maintaining adequate body fluid, while electrolytes are minerals involved in processes including fluid balance, muscle function and nerve signalling.

Electrolyte supplements can be particularly useful during or after prolonged exercise, heavy sweating or training in hot conditions. Not every short or low-intensity workout requires an electrolyte drink.

They can be. Electrolyte drinks can be useful during longer, intense or particularly sweaty gym sessions, while water will often be sufficient for shorter everyday workouts.

Sweat contains several electrolytes, with sodium and chloride being the primary electrolytes lost, alongside smaller amounts of potassium, magnesium and calcium.

Not automatically. Water is suitable for normal everyday hydration, while electrolyte drinks can become more useful when significant fluid and electrolyte losses occur through prolonged exercise or heavy sweating.

Many electrolyte products can be used daily when appropriate, but individual requirements vary with diet, activity, climate and sweat losses. Follow the individual product's serving directions.

Consider the electrolyte content, particularly sodium and potassium, serving size, carbohydrate content and intended use. A formula designed for endurance exercise may differ considerably from an everyday low-calorie electrolyte drink.