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Runner’s high is a real thing…but so is the crash. Electrolytes fuel the body for exercise and provide recovery once the euphoria of a run has subsided. A key ingredient is sodium, which is needed to replace the amount lost during sweating. The downside: too much sodium can lead to unwanted side effects, such as bloating and elevated blood pressure.
The right electrolyte drink is a combination of adequate sodium and proactive ingredients. But with a market saturated with options, which electrolytes check the boxes? We’ve reviewed the top two sports drinks contenders and evaluated them on benefits, taste, ingredients, and price. Here’s what we found.
Benefits
The goal of electrolytes is to refuel your body with hydration after an intense workout or energize for an upcoming one. However, electrolytes and sports drinks can have additional benefits depending on the ingredients.
Magna, a magnesium-focused electrolyte drink, provides mental and physical improvements.
Though significant in regulating your body’s systems, 75% of humans are deficient in magnesium. Low levels of magnesium lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, and headaches. Magna electrolytes combine three forms of magnesium with electrolytes to maximize your athletic performance.
- MAGNESIUM L-THREONATE allows for greater focus
- MAGNESIUM GLYCINATE supports recovery
- MAGNESIUM MALATE increases energy
Combined with potassium and sodium, this 3-magnesium blend provides hydration and aids athletes with mental clarity, stronger bones, cramp relief, and reduced stress. Some people can feel the effect in hours or it might take a couple of weeks. The consistent intake of magnesium will allow you to feel greater over time.
LMNT takes a sodium-driven approach to hydration.
LMNT goes all in on sodium to provide hydration to athletes. LMNT prioritizes sodium to regulate fluid balance. It provides benefits to athletes who go through rigorous training and are looking for hydration rather than overall recovery.
Taste
Typically, electrolyte drinks are packed with sodium, which might add a salty taste. The right electrolyte drink finds the balance between tasty and hydrating.
Magna has a subtle, but refreshing flavor profile.
Electrolyte drinks are either incredibly salty or too sugary to mask the sodium content — Magna goes against the grain. Magna has four flavors to choose from: Lemon Lime, Watermelon Lime, Tea Lemonade, and Peach Mango. The flavors taste natural and refreshing, but not overly sweet and have no aftertaste. They use Stevia Leaf Extract to add a hint of sweetness.
LMNT has a saltier taste with hints of citrus.
Due to its high sodium content, LMNT has a salty taste. There are 7 flavors to choose from: Grapefruit Salt, Orange Salt, Citrus Salt, Watermelon Salt, Raspberry Salt, Mango Chili, Chocolate caramel, and Chocolate Salt. These flavors feature Stevia Leaf Extract to add some sweetness. They offer a raw unflavored option if you’re looking for no overwhelming flavor. Overall, LMNT is not overly sweet, but with a high sodium content, it might be too salty depending on your preferences.
Ingredients
When evaluating electrolyte drinks, the key ingredients to look out for are sodium and potassium — key for hydration. However, electrolytes can also come in the form of other ingredients that can provide benefits beyond hydration, allowing for peak athleticism.
Magna is a blend of natural, beneficial ingredients.
On top of the three types of magnesium (210mg), Magna has Vitamin D, B6, and B12 for a full athletic recovery and natural energy without caffeine. As for sodium content, it includes a moderate amount at 340 mg. The 150 mg of potassium allows for optimal hydration needed to regain after a tiring workout. Magna electrolytes are gluten-free, vegan, keto-friendly, and additive-free. Overall, Magna provides a blend of ingredients that allow you to unlock your athletic greatness by providing hydration, focus, and clarity.
LMNT has a simple blend of ingredients, with sodium at the forefront.
To achieve hydration, LMNT focuses on sodium and potassium. There is 1,000mg of sodium, which is great for hydration, but might lead to gut distress or bloating. As for potassium, there is 200mg. LMNT includes lower levels of magnesium, with only 60mg of magnesium malate.
LMNT is sugar-free, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
Price
Magna offers three buying options at a reasonable price.
Magna offers a one-time purchase of 30 powder packets at a price of $55. Monthly subscriptions are available and are currently on sale: A 1-box subscription is $45 and a 2-box subscription is $79. All buying options include a 60-day money-back guarantee.
LMNT is an affordable option.
LMNT is around the same as Magna when purchased one time at a price of $45. A subscription to LMNT is cheaper at $39 per month. One order contains 30 sticks.
| Magna | LMNT | |
|---|---|---|
| Provides hydration |  | |
| Aids in focus | |  |
| Taste | Subtle and refreshing | Citrusy and salty |
| Sodium Content | 340mg | 1000mg |
| Magnesium content | 210mg | 60mg |
| Price | $45-$79 | $39-$45 |
Bottom Line: Winner – Magna
Sodium and potassium are key to hydration both during and after a workout. Magna and LMNT hit both those marks, but they vary in terms of content. LMNT is a sodium-focused electrolyte drink, which is great for replenishing salt content lost in sweating. However, 1,000mg poses potential risks for those who suffer from high blood pressure or bloating.
Magna provides a good balance of potassium and sodium alongside three types of magnesium to obtain mental clarity and lower stress on top of hydration. Magna’s electrolytes provide optimal recovery to get your body ready for the next sweat. At an affordable price, Magna is an ideal option for runners and athletes alike looking to maintain the joy of working out and sustain elite performance.
