Electrolytes are the Key to Good Hydration

Staying hydrated not only keeps workers alert and productive but also reduces the risk of heat stress, fatigue, and loss of concentration—common challenges in hot, labour-intensive environments.

Even mild dehydration can hinder performance and well-being. The risks are amplified in mining, where high temperatures and physical labour significantly increase water and electrolyte loss.

The Role of Electrolytes

Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium, are critical for maintaining fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve signalling. In hot, high-sweat environments, water alone is insufficient. Replenishing electrolytes is vital to:

• Prevent dehydration-related symptoms such as muscle cramps, headaches, and fatigue.
• Maintain blood volume and circulation.
• Optimise performance and endurance in demanding conditions.

Are Effervescent Tablets Fit for the Heavy Industry?

Effervescent tablets are popular in the supplement world due to their convenience and rapid dissolvability. When dissolved in water, these tablets release active ingredients along with a fizzy reaction from the interaction of ‘acid’ and ‘bicarbonate’. However, this formulation may not be ideal for industrial hydration needs.

Although they are convenient, effervescent tablets contain large amounts of unnecessary excipients (non-active ingredients) that may not be suitable for hydration on a job site, particularly considering the high-volume of daily consumption.

Common Ingredients in Effervescent Tablets

Sodium Carbonate & Bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is used to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion by neutralizing excess stomach acid. They are the key ingredients responsible for the fizz in effervescent tablets, may offer convenience but can pose significant risks when used daily in industrial hydration settings:

• Disrupted Digestion: Both compounds can neutralise stomach acid, which is crucial for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. Prolonged regular use may impair digestion and reduce the absorption of essential minerals, including the electrolytes the tablets aim to replenish.
• Digestive Discomfort: The release of carbon dioxide gas from sodium bicarbonate can cause bloating and gas. Sodium carbonate further exacerbates discomfort by increasing stomach pH, leading to nausea and irritation.
• Electrolyte Imbalances: Over time, the neutralising effect on stomach acid can alter the body’s pH balance, increasing the risk of alkalosis and other health complications.
• Long-Term Gut Health Issues: With regular, compounded use, these ingredients can contribute to chronic digestive problems and diminished nutrient absorption, particularly in high-consumption environments like mining or construction.

Sodium bicarbonate can also be used as a leavening agent for baked goods, a stain remover in toothpaste, and can make a great household cleaner when mixed with vinegar. 

Artificial Sweeteners

Sorbitol, sucralose, and mannitol are used to cover up the salty/mineral flavour (from excess sodium bicarbonate), but they can cause digestive upset. There are more suitable alternative plant-based sweeteners that are palatable and without the side effects.

Artificial Flavours and Colours

Synthetic dyes and flavours are common but offer no functional benefits. Regular intake of these additives could pose health risks, particularly with frequent use in high quantities on job sites. For example, Carmoisine – a synthetic azo dye that is used to give a red or maroon colour to foods, drinks, cosmetics, and medicines. This ingredient is currently being used in other hydration brands on the market.

The Verdict

While occasional use of these ingredients might be tolerable, the daily, high-volume consumption required in physically demanding industries amplifies these risks, making such formulas potentially ill-suited for long-term hydration needs.

In mining and heavy industry, hydration is more than a necessity—it’s a cornerstone of health, safety, and productivity. By understanding the role of electrolytes and choosing the right solutions, workers and employers can ensure peak performance, reduced downtime, and better overall well-being on the job.

*For references and links to these studies please contact us. The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional or personalised advice from your health care provider. Body Armour accepts no liability for any harm, resulting from the use or misuse of this information.