- Electrolyte supplements are often unnecessary; most people get enough from their diet.
- Sports dietitian Ashley Hagensick advises using supplements only for intense exercise.
- Excessive electrolytes can lead to health issues like high blood pressure and kidney damage.
MURRAY — From powders to sports drinks, electrolytes are marketed everywhere. However, experts say most people get enough naturally, and adding extra can actually be risky.
Your body does need electrolytes — minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium that support everything from muscle function to hydration. While they’re usually sufficient in a normal diet, electrolytes can also be helpful when your body is losing fluids due to illness, heat or intense exercise. But problems can occur not only when levels drop too low, but also when they get too high.
“You really don’t need to supplement electrolytes if you’re not exercising,” said Ashley Hagensick, a sports dietitian with Intermountain Health…