Question

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise us to limit sodium in our diets. What is the purpose of the sodium in this energy gel?

Answer 1

Although the Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise people to limit sodium in their diets, many sportmen/women need to consume energy gels as supplement for optimal performance while training. Gels help the body to replenish the glycogen stores during endurance activities, since these are excellent sources of carbohydrates which maximize the muscle function recovery.  While a person is training, sodium -which is an important electrolyte that allows the water regulation in the body, is lost in sweat.  That's why, the purpose of the sodium in the energy gel is to reelectrolyte what is being lost while training by aiding hydration.

Answer 2

Answer: When you sweat, you are losing electrolytes, mostly in the form of sodium and potassium. This is another benefit of using energy gels. Most energy gels contain electrolytes, which replenish the sodium you have lost through sweat.