2026 is hotting up to be the year of the Electrolytes

With rising global temperatures and prolonged summer heatwaves, pioneering ethical vitamin company Viridian is forecasting electrolytes to be one of the standout nutrients in the 2026 wellness trends.

Experts at the supplement company have announced that electrolytes will continue its upward trend in the year ahead due to their powerful influence on nutrition and health.

It follows the surging popularity of active lifestyles and a significant shift in global temperatures resulting in hotter summers and extreme heat, which in turn has meant the importance of hydration has never been greater.

Viridian Nutrition Director Aimee Benbow, said: “Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health but with temperatures hitting record highs year-after-year and heatwaves becoming more frequent, we’re expecting to see a huge spike in electrolytes as a way to replenish fluids, and not just for those with active lifestyles.”

Electrolytes are essential minerals and trace elements and without them body will not function properly.

Electrolytes can help the body refuel liquids lost through sweat or following illness but dehydration and low electrolyte levels or an electrolyte imbalance can impact essential bodily functions such as nerves and muscle function, performance and recovery.

NHS GP and ultra runner Dr Siobhan Brennan, said: “It’s important to keep on top of your body’s electrolyte levels when training as they’re essential minerals that the body needs to stay hydrated.

“As an ultra-runner, this is particularly important taking part in prolonged training sessions and competition events. I make electrolyte drinks part of my essential running routine. I use after intense gym sessions but also in my day-to-day routine as part of active recovery, to keep me topped up and be the best version of myself. This ensures I am always repleted and ready to face what the next day brings.”

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are mineral salts which are present in the body’s blood, fluid and tissues. They are able to conduct electrical impulses and therefore affect the blood’s pH level and muscle function.

Mineral salts include sodium, chloride, magnesium and potassium and these are involved in balancing the fluid throughout the body including the volume of fluid within the blood. Here are some of the key roles of these minerals:

Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, electrolyte balance as well as normal functioning of the nervous system.
Potassium is essential for the regulation of the heartbeat and muscle function of the muscles.
Sodium helps to regulates the total amount of water in the body and the transmission of Sodium into and out of individual cells also plays a role in critical body functions.
Chloride is located in all body fluids and supports sodium in its role of electrolyte balance.

Electrolytes v Water

Although water is a primary form of rehydration and crucial for all bodily functions, studies have shown that electrolytes can also be beneficial during period of fluid loss.

Aimee adds: “Research also shows consumers are seeking functional beverages to replenish lost fluids with added health benefits, favouring cleaner and transparent ingredients over sugar laden electrolyte drinks.”

Choosing effective clean electrolytes

Watch out for sugar and artificial additives in hydration and electrolyte drinks. High sugar drinks can increase blood glucose levels as well as contribute to obesity in the long term. Therefore, it’s not recommended to opt for these.

Aimee said: “To ensure people get the full health benefits from electrolytes, it’s important to choose minerals salts which are extracted from a clean and natural source, bottled without the need for preservatives or anything artificial.

“Viridian sources its electrolytes from The Great Salt Lake, in Utah, which offers a pristine environment for the water, rich in natural mineral salts, to be harvested.”

Over the next 12 months, Viridian will be rolling out an awareness campaign spreading nutritional education via specialist health stores and on its social media.

Visit your local health store for advice on diet, lifestyle and how electrolyte supplements can provide support: www.findahealthstore.com

References
Megatech Insights

Introspective Market Research: Electrolytes Drinks Market

John S. Cuddy, MS; Julie A. Ham, MS; Stephanie G. Harger, MS; Dustin R. Slivka, PhD; Brent C. Ruby, PhD. (2008). ‘Effects of an Electrolyte Additive on Hydration and Drinking Behavior During Wildfire Suppression’ Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, 19, 172 180.