Myth: Electrolyte Drinks Are Just For Athletes

Jump off the treadmill. Hydrate. Re-stack your weights. Hydrate. Drop the kids off at school. Hydrate?

Many people are confused about whether they need to worry about hydration or electrolytes outside of exercising.

For many athletes, electrolyte drinks have become an essential part of their performance plan. Resupplying sodium, chloride, and magnesium throughout intense exercise, firing off reps, then rehydrating; it's standard. For many people, including elite athletes and gym enthusiasts, electrolyte supplements are part of their everyday routine. Which is great! But it's also led to the belief that electrolytes and electrolyte supplements are just for athletes.

That's wrong. Electrolytes play an important role in normal bodily functions, and many non-athletes choose to top them up through electrolyte drinks, as part of their daily routine.

Usually, a balanced diet and plenty of water is enough to regulate electrolytes and stay hydrated. But there are also times when a little fizzy tablet goes a long way.

Who Are Electrolytes For?

• People recovering from illness who need to restore fluid balance and support overall health.
• Individuals experiencing fatigue who may need extra hydration to feel energised.
• Adults managing daily activities who need a boost to maintain hydration during a busy day.
• Children needing hydration support in certain situations.

How Sport Electrolytes Help Athletes

Our scientifically balanced electrolyte mix is formulated to support physical activity and recovery. Fast-acting hydration with magnesium to reduce tiredness and fatigue, and vitamin D to support normal muscle function. Our sports tablets are a must for preparing for, performing and recovering from intense physical exercise.

What's in them?

Per 1 tablet in 500ml of water

Magnesium 56mg: Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal muscle function.

Sodium 260mg: Sodium helps maintain normal fluid balance and is an important electrolyte lost in sweat.

Chloride 177mg: Chloride is an important electrolyte involved in normal fluid balance.

Glucose 1.08g: Our tablets contain a small functional dose of glucose, which helps enhance electrolyte absorption to hydrate you faster.

Vitamin D 2.5mg: Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.

Dissolve ONE tablet per 500ml of water to make up the electrolyte solution.

Adults: The recommended adult dose is 500ml when required. No more than two doses a day.

Sport Electrolytes Vs. Everyday Electrolytes

So what's the difference between our sports tablets and our original electrolyte tablets? The biggest one is that O.R.S sport tablets are enhanced with Vitamin D and Magnesium, which can help reduce cramping and aid faster recovery after physical activity.

Our everyday tablets are a scientifically balanced blend of electrolytes and minerals. Helping you to hydrate faster and stay hydrated for longer. Formulated by pharmacists and perfect for people who need a fast hydration boost for a busy day ahead.

What's in them?

Per 2 tablets in 200ml of water

Potassium 193mg: Potassium contributes to normal muscle function and normal nervous system function.

Sodium 277mg: Sodium contributes to normal fluid balance and is an important electrolyte lost in sweat.

Chloride 352mg: Chloride is an important electrolyte involved in normal fluid balance and acid-base balance.

Glucose 3.27g: Our tablets contain a small functional dose of glucose, which helps enhance electrolyte absorption to hydrate you faster.

Dissolve TWO tablets per 200ml of water to make up the electrolyte solution.

Adults: Drink 200ml of mixed solution for rapid hydration.

Kids (6+ years): 200ml of mixed solution when required.

Kids (3–6 years): 10ml solution per kg body weight (small sips).

Hydration And Immunity

O.R.S Hydration Tablets are the only NHS-prescribed electrolyte tablets following WHO (World Health Organisation) guidelines, and they can make a world of difference for people recovering from illness.

Why might someone who's been ill need electrolytes? Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause a massive amount of fluid and electrolyte loss. Replenishing sodium, chloride, potassium, and vitamins C and D is essential to restoring the body's fluid balance and protecting other essential functions.

After illness, we recommend using our everyday range. NHS doctors can prescribe our blackcurrant tablets for recovery from illnesses involving heavy fluid loss. Our hydration and immunity tablets include added vitamins and are designed for illness prevention, hydration, and immune support.

FAQs

Who can benefit from electrolyte tablets?

Electrolytes are essential for everyone, not just athletes. People recovering from illness, experiencing fatigue, or leading an active lifestyle can benefit from supplementing. Electrolyte tablets are also great for hot weather, holidays, travelling by public transport or plane, dieting, fasting, or simply when there is not enough water on hand.

What is the difference between sport and everyday electrolyte tablets?

Sport tablets contain magnesium and vitamin D to support intense exercise and muscle function.

How should I take sports electrolyte tablets?

Dissolve one tablet per 500ml of water and drink as required. Adults should not exceed two doses per day.

How should I take everyday electrolyte tablets?

Dissolve two tablets per 200ml of water. Adults and children over six can take 200ml when required, while children aged 3–6 should take 10ml per kg of body weight. Children under 3 can take them too, but only under the advice and supervision of a medical professional.

Can electrolyte tablets help after an illness?

Yes. Electrolytes such as sodium, chloride and potassium help restore fluid balance and support immune function after vomiting, diarrhoea or flu.

Why does magnesium appear in sports tablets but not in everyday tablets?

Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue, including during periods of physical activity.

Can children use electrolyte tablets?

Yes, our everyday hydration range can be used for children. We also have specially formulated hydration tablets for kids.

For children aged 6 and above, just dissolve 2 tablets in 200ml of water.

Children aged 3–6 should take 10ml of electrolyte solution per kg of body weight, with small sips.

Children under 3 can have 10ml per kg of body weight with small sips, but only under the advice and supervision of a doctor, midwife or a medical professional.