--- title: "Electrolytes 101: Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium at Work" description: "What electrolytes are, what sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride do, why sweat takes them out, and how to read a label. A plain guide for crews." url: https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/guides/electrolytes-101 publisher: JMAR Solutions phone: +1-214-632-7780 quote: https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/contact --- Field guide # Electrolytes 101 for hot, hard-working crews Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge in body fluids. Sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride help control fluid balance and support muscles and nerves. Sweat carries water and salt out of the body. On long, hot shifts, crews lose both, so a hydration plan should replace more than water. Updated November 5, 20266 min read ## Minerals with a charge MedlinePlus defines electrolytes as minerals that carry an electric charge in water or body fluids. ## Sweat takes salt too NIOSH describes heat exhaustion as an excessive loss of water and salt. ## Four on the JMAR label Magnesium, chloride, sodium and potassium, plus sulfate, are listed per 1 tsp serving. ## Not a medical fix Electrolyte products support hydration. Heat stroke is a 911 emergency. ## What are electrolytes and why do they matter on the job? Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when they are dissolved in water or body fluids, including blood. MedlinePlus says they help balance the water in your body and support muscle and nerve function. For a crew, that means they matter every hour of a hot shift. You do not feel them working. You notice when they run low, as a cramp, a headache or a slow afternoon. Read the glossary entry on [electrolytes](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/electrolyte), then use this guide to tell the main four apart. ## What do sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride do? Each one has a job. Sodium and chloride help control the amount of fluid in the body. Potassium helps cells, the heart and muscles work properly. Magnesium helps muscles, nerves and the heart work properly. The table below summarizes the MedlinePlus descriptions. Electrolyte What MedlinePlus says it does Glossary Sodium Helps control the amount of fluid in the body and helps nerves and muscles work properly [Sodium](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/sodium) Potassium Helps cells, the heart and muscles work properly [Potassium](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/potassium) Magnesium Helps muscles, nerves and the heart work properly; helps control blood pressure and blood sugar [Magnesium](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/magnesium) Chloride Helps control the amount of fluid in the body and helps maintain healthy blood volume and blood pressure Electrolyte The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements adds that magnesium plays a role in moving calcium and potassium across cell membranes. That process matters for nerve signals, muscle contraction and normal heart rhythm. ## Why does sweat take electrolytes out? Sweat is more than water. NIOSH describes heat exhaustion as the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. NIOSH also says heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity, because that sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels. So a long hot shift pulls out two things: fluid and minerals. A hydration plan that only refills water leaves half the loss open. That is the reason NIOSH says to drink sports drinks containing balanced electrolytes when sweating lasts for several hours. See the [jobsite hydration plan](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/guides/jobsite-hydration-plan) for the full NIOSH numbers. Sweat rate differs by person, task, clothing and weather. Read about sweat rate and why two workers on the same crew need different amounts. Acclimatization also changes how the body handles heat, so new hires need extra watching. ## How do you read an electrolyte label? Start with the Supplement Facts panel. Check the serving size, the amount of each mineral per serving, the other ingredients and any added sugar or sweetener. Compare products on a per-serving basis, and check how many servings are in the container. Here is the JMAR label for Rapid Restoration Drops, the client’s published panel: Per 1 tsp serving Amount Magnesium 90 mg Chloride 750 mg Sodium 200 mg Potassium 300 mg Sulfate 40 mg The bottle is 4 fl oz (120 mL) with 48 servings. It has no sugar, no calories and no flavor, and it is made in the USA. The label certification line reads: 3rd Party Tested | cGMP Certified | Vegan | Non GMO | Gluten Free | FDA Registered and Inspected Facility. The label’s suggested use reads: “Emergency support\*: Add 1 tsp to a few ounces of any liquid. Follow with additional fluids. Repeat as needed. Daily support\*: Add ½ tsp, (just a squirt), to any liquid and use throughout the day to restore hydration and support endurance.\*” Use only what the label says. Rapid Restoration Drops are a dietary supplement. They replace electrolytes lost in sweat and support hydration. They are not medicine, and they do not replace emergency care. See what liquid electrolyte drops are and the [product page](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/product/rapid-rehydration-drops). ## How do liquid, powder and sports drink formats differ? The formats differ in sugar, carry weight, taste and how crews use them. Check the label of each for sugar, sodium per serving and serving count. Pick the format your crew will actually use all shift. The compare pages below weigh each one. Our compare pages go deeper: - Electrolyte drops vs powder packets - Electrolyte drops vs sports drinks - Electrolyte drops vs oral rehydration solution - Electrolyte drops vs salt tablets The [compare hub](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/compare) lists them all. Terms to know: liquid electrolyte concentrate and oral rehydration solution. ## Can a crew have too much water or too many electrolytes? Yes, on either side. Too much plain water can dilute blood sodium, a condition called [hyponatremia](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/hyponatremia). A supplement can also overshoot if people ignore the label. Follow the label, and send anyone with a health condition or a medication question to a healthcare professional. Read [hyponatremia at work](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/guides/hyponatremia-at-work) for the signs. One rule overrides everything here: heat stroke is an emergency. NIOSH says to call 911 for emergency medical care. It also says that when heat stroke occurs, body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. See heat exhaustion vs heat stroke and the heat illness pillar. ## What questions should a buyer ask about an electrolyte product? Procurement teams should compare products on the facts printed on the label and the quality claims a supplier can back up. Use this checklist when you evaluate any electrolyte product for a crew, including ours. Ask for answers in writing. Question Why it matters What is in one serving, and how many servings are in the container? Lets you compare cost and content per serving Is there added sugar, sweetener or dye? Matters for crews with dietary needs Is it labeled a dietary supplement or something else? Tells you what claims the maker may make Who tested it, and what did they test for? Third-party testing is a quality signal Where is it made, and in what kind of facility? Supports supplier review and audits What are the suggested use directions? Crews should follow the label only Does the supplier offer a sample before a bulk order? Lets crews try the taste and format JMAR’s published answers for the drops are in the label section above. The certification line reads 3rd Party Tested, cGMP Certified, Vegan, Non GMO, Gluten Free, FDA Registered and Inspected Facility. Ask for the supporting documents you need for your own file. ## What are common electrolyte myths? Myths cost crews time and money. Three come up often. The table pairs each with a plain answer based on the sources above. Myth Plain answer “Water is all a crew needs.” NIOSH says to use sports drinks with balanced electrolytes when sweating lasts for several hours. “More electrolytes is always better.” Follow the label. Too much of any mineral can cause problems, so ask a healthcare professional if you have a health condition. “Electrolytes fix heat illness.” No. Electrolyte products support hydration. Heat illness needs cooling and medical care. Pair any electrolyte step with water, rest, shade, acclimatization and training. Those are the controls OSHA and NIOSH point to. ## What formats and prices does JMAR list? JMAR sells the same liquid formula in a 4 oz bottle and in single-serve packets. Prices below are as JMAR publishes them on its shop. See the shop for current pricing. For bulk and government orders, ask for a quote. Product Price as published Rapid Restoration Drops, 4 oz bottle $50.00 one time, or $45.00 a month on subscription The RRD Bundle $85.00 Single serves, 15 pack $37.50 Single serves, 50 pack $125.00 Single serves, case of 350 $700.00 The single-serve packets carry the same liquid formula in a portable packet. Follow the directions printed on the pack you buy. Heat illness symptoms call for cooling and medical help first. ## Next step See how electrolytes fit your crew’s plan. [Book a 15-minute demo](https://calendly.com/jen-jmarsolutions/15-min-meeting), request a [free sample](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/free-sample) or ask about bulk pricing. Prices and pack sizes are on the shop page. ## Frequently asked questions ### What are electrolytes? Electrolytes are minerals that have an electric charge when dissolved in water or body fluids, including blood. MedlinePlus says they help balance the water in your body and support muscle and nerve function. Sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride are four of the main ones. ### Why do crews lose electrolytes at work? Sweat carries water and salt out of the body. NIOSH describes heat exhaustion as the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Long, hot, heavy shifts make that loss larger, so water alone may not cover it. ### What is in Rapid Restoration Drops? Per 1 tsp serving, the label lists magnesium 90 mg, chloride 750 mg, sodium 200 mg, potassium 300 mg and sulfate 40 mg. The bottle holds 4 fl oz (120 mL) and 48 servings. It has no sugar, no calories and no flavor. It is a dietary supplement. ### Do electrolytes treat heat illness? No. Rapid Restoration Drops are a dietary supplement that replace electrolytes lost in sweat and support hydration. They are not medicine and do not treat heat illness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, so call 911 and cool the worker while you wait. ### Can a person get too many electrolytes or too much water? Yes. Too much plain water can dilute blood sodium, and supplements can overshoot on some minerals. Follow the label, ask a healthcare professional if you have a health condition, and read our hyponatremia guide for the water side of the risk. ## Terms on this page - [Liquid electrolyte concentrate](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/liquid-electrolyte-concentrate) - [Oral rehydration solution](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-rehydration-solution) - [Acclimatization](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/acclimatization) - [Heat exhaustion](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/heat-exhaustion) - [Hyponatremia](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/hyponatremia) - [Sports drink](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/sports-drink) - [Heat cramps](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/heat-cramps) - [Heat stroke](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/heat-stroke) - [Sweat rate](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/sweat-rate) - [Magnesium](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/magnesium) ## Sources 1. [MedlinePlus: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance](https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html) 2. [MedlinePlus: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance](https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html) 3. [CDC NIOSH: Heat-related Illnesses](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html) 4. [CDC NIOSH: Heat-related Illnesses](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html) 5. [NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium Health Professional Fact Sheet](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/) 6. [CDC NIOSH: Heat-related Illnesses](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html) 7. [CDC NIOSH: Heat-related Illnesses](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html) 8. [CDC NIOSH: Workplace Recommendations (Heat Stress)](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/recommendations/index.html) 9. [PMC: Pathophysiology and treatment of exercise-associated hyponatremia](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12847173/) Checked against the sources above on November 5, 2026. Rules and guidance change, so check the linked page before you act. This page is general information, not legal or medical advice. ## Keep reading - [Hyponatremia at work: when more water hurtsHyponatremia is low blood sodium. In exercise-associated cases, the primary cause is overconsumption of fluids, which dilutes sodium in the blood. Common symptoms are bloating, nausea, vomiting, headache and altered mental status. The safest prevention is to drink according to thirst, and NIOSH caps work-in-heat intake at about 6 cups an hour.](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/guides/hyponatremia-at-work) - [A jobsite hydration plan that crews followNIOSH says workers doing moderate activity in the heat for under 2 hours should drink 1 cup (8 oz) of water every 15 to 20 minutes. If sweating lasts several hours, NIOSH says to drink sports drinks with balanced electrolytes. Fluid intake generally should not exceed 6 cups per hour.](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/guides/jobsite-hydration-plan) - [Electrolyte drops vs powder, sports drinks and moreWater is the base for any crew. NIOSH says to add sports drinks with balanced electrolytes when sweating lasts several hours, and to avoid salt tablets for heat cramps. Liquid electrolyte drops, powder packets and oral rehydration mixes are different formats of the same job. Pick by sugar, carry, mixing and cost.](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/compare) - [Liquid electrolyte drops for work crewsLiquid electrolyte drops are a concentrated mineral liquid you add to water. They replace electrolytes lost in sweat and support hydration. Rapid Restoration Drops from JMAR contain magnesium, chloride, sodium and potassium, with no sugar and no calories. They sit beside water, rest and shade, never in place of them.](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/liquid-electrolyte-drops) - [Electrolyte drops vs oral rehydration solution: which job is each for?Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a glucose and electrolyte mix made to treat dehydration from diarrhea. Electrolyte drops are a dietary supplement that replaces electrolytes lost in sweat. They do different jobs. For vomiting or diarrhea, ask a clinician about ORS. For sweat on a hot jobsite, drops are the tool.](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/compare/electrolyte-drops-vs-oral-rehydration-solution) - [Electrolyte drops vs sports drinks: what works on a hot jobsite?Sports drinks give fluid, carbohydrates and electrolytes in one bottle, and NIOSH names them for heat cramps and for sweating that lasts hours. Electrolyte drops add electrolytes to any drink with no sugar and no calories. Sports drinks fit when a crew needs energy. Drops fit when it needs electrolytes without sugar.](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/compare/electrolyte-drops-vs-sports-drinks) ![Ironworkers silhouetted on a steel frame against a hot orange sunset](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/_astro/sunset-steel.IhAMDca0_6wk53.webp) ## See it on your crew in 15 minutes Jennifer walks your safety team through the drops, the protocol and the numbers on a short live call. [Book a 15-minute demo](https://calendly.com/jen-jmarsolutions/15-min-meeting)