When it comes to electrolytes, most people think of sodium and potassium first. But there’s another mineral that rarely gets attention — and yet is just as important in hydration balance: magnesium.
Magnesium doesn’t get the flashy marketing treatment that sodium does, but it plays a quiet, steady role in making hydration more complete. In fact, many hydration powders skip it entirely — leaving formulas incomplete.
Let’s explore what magnesium does, why most hydration products ignore it, and how Optimal Hydration™ makes it part of every serving.
What Magnesium Actually Does
Magnesium is often called the “supporting electrolyte.” It doesn’t dominate formulas, but it helps tie everything together. Here’s what it contributes:
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Electrolyte harmony
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Works alongside sodium, potassium, and calcium to regulate fluid balance.
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Everyday processes
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Involved in energy support and muscle function at a cellular level.
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Hydration balance
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Completes the electrolyte profile so hydration mixes aren’t one-sided.
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Without magnesium, formulas feel incomplete — like leaving a puzzle with one piece missing.
Why Magnesium Is Often Missing
If magnesium is so useful, why don’t most hydration brands include it?
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Cost savings: Magnesium salts are more expensive than sodium or potassium.
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Taste challenges: Some forms of magnesium can affect flavor if not balanced correctly.
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Marketing shortcuts: Brands prefer to highlight one or two big numbers (sodium, potassium) instead of complete balance.
The result: hydration mixes that look strong on the label but lack depth.
Magnesium Levels in Popular Hydration Products
| Product | Magnesium per Serving | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Drinks (20oz) | 0 | No magnesium at all. |
| Pedialyte Powder Pack | 0 | Focused on sodium, leaves magnesium out. |
| Liquid I.V. | 0 | No magnesium despite high sodium levels. |
| Nuun Tablets | 25mg | Some magnesium, but low. |
| Optimal Hydration™ | 100mg | Full inclusion, balanced with other electrolytes. |
This shows the gap: most hydration products skip magnesium, while Optimal Hydration™ makes it a standard.
Why Magnesium Belongs in Hydration
Magnesium matters because it:
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Completes the profile: Sodium and potassium dominate, but magnesium fills the missing gap.
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Supports everyday hydration: Even outside athletics, magnesium helps maintain balance.
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Pairs with calcium: The two work hand-in-hand in fluid and muscle functions.
Magnesium doesn’t need to be included in massive amounts — but including none at all leaves a formula lacking.
Sodium + Potassium + Magnesium = Balance
Electrolytes aren’t meant to work in isolation. Think of them as a team:
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Sodium: Draws fluid into the body.
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Potassium: Balances sodium.
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Magnesium: Supports balance between both, adds depth.
When a hydration product leaves magnesium out, it’s missing one of the team players.
How Much Magnesium Makes Sense?
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Too little: Below 25mg is a very small amount.
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Too much: High levels can alter taste negatively.
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Balanced: ~100mg is a practical amount that adds value without overpowering flavor.
That’s why Optimal Hydration™ includes 100mg magnesium — enough to make a difference, not so much that it disrupts the taste.
The Taste Factor
Some forms of magnesium taste metallic or bitter, which is why many brands avoid it. But sourcing high-quality forms of magnesium and balancing with other ingredients makes it not only tolerable, but invisible in flavor.
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Sports drinks: No magnesium at all.
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Nuun tablets: Light magnesium, sometimes chalky taste.
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Optimal Hydration™: 100mg magnesium — blended into a clean lemonade flavor that remains crisp and refreshing.
Magnesium is one of those minerals you shouldn’t notice in taste — but should definitely notice in the completeness of the formula.
Why Optimal Hydration™ Includes Magnesium
Most hydration products chase big sodium numbers because they’re easier to market. But sodium without magnesium is incomplete.
That’s why Optimal Hydration™ makes magnesium a standard part of every serving:
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100mg magnesium per stick.
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Balanced with 320mg sodium, 400mg potassium, 100mg calcium, and 5.5mg zinc.
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Paired with 8g sugar and 12 total electrolytes + vitamins.
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Delivered in a light lemonade flavor that stays refreshing.
It’s not about hype — it’s about balance.
FAQs
Why don’t most hydration powders include magnesium?
Because it costs more and is harder to market than sodium.
Do I need magnesium in my hydration mix?
A mix with sodium and potassium works, but magnesium completes the formula and improves balance.
What’s a good amount of magnesium in a hydration product?
Around 100mg — enough to matter, but not so much that it affects taste.
Does magnesium make a hydration mix taste bad?
Not if balanced correctly. High-quality formulations can include magnesium without altering flavor.
Final Verdict
Magnesium might not be the headline mineral in hydration products, but it’s one of the most important. Without it, formulas feel incomplete — like a team missing a key player.
That’s why Optimal Hydration™ includes magnesium in balance: 100mg per serving, alongside sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, and vitamins.
It’s not about chasing one big number. It’s about a formula where everything works in harmony.
Hydration should be complete — not cut short.
Stop Settling for Less. Choose More. Shop Optimal Hydration