Quick answer

FDA links high-sodium diets to a higher risk of high blood pressure. The Daily Value is under 2,300 mg a day, and Americans average about 3,400 mg. Electrolyte mixes vary in sodium, so the label matters. Ask your doctor before using one if you have high blood pressure or take blood pressure medicine.^1,2

Key facts

FDA explains that a high-sodium diet draws water into the bloodstream, which can raise blood volume and blood pressure.¹
The Daily Value for sodium is less than 2,300 mg a day, about 1 teaspoon of salt, and Americans eat about 3,400 mg on average.¹
FDA counts a serving with 20% or more of the Daily Value for sodium as high and 5% or less as low.¹
Typical sports drinks hold about 230 to 690 mg of sodium per liter, and one review advises against drinks above about 1,000 mg per liter.³
The lisinopril and losartan labels, for two types of blood pressure medicine, warn against potassium supplements or potassium salt substitutes without asking a clinician.^4,5

What do the sources say about sodium and blood pressure?

FDA explains that sodium attracts water, so a high-sodium diet draws water into the bloodstream, which can raise the volume of blood and with it blood pressure. It adds that blood pressure generally rises with age, so limiting sodium matters more each year.¹

Diets high in sodium are linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, a major cause of stroke and heart disease, and blood pressure tends to rise with age.¹

FDA lists the Daily Value for sodium as less than 2,300 mg a day, which equals about 1 teaspoon of table salt. Americans eat about 3,400 mg a day on average, and most of that comes from packaged and prepared foods rather than the salt shaker.¹

How much sodium is in an electrolyte mix?

Sodium is the electrolyte that sweat removes in large amounts, about 1 g per liter on average, which is why drink mixes contain it. FDA counts a serving with 20% or more of the Daily Value as high in sodium, which is 460 mg when the Daily Value is 2,300 mg, and a serving with 5% or less as low.^1,3

Typical sports drinks hold about 230 to 690 mg of sodium per liter. One review advises against drinks above about 1,000 mg per liter because they become unpleasant to drink.³

The Supplement Facts panel lists sodium per serving. Because a mix is added to the sodium in food, check the label against the daily limit rather than the serving alone.¹

Does the potassium in a mix change the picture?

NIH says potassium is the opposite case: insufficient potassium intakes can raise blood pressure. But too much potassium from supplements or salt substitutes can cause high blood potassium, especially with kidney disease or with medicines that keep potassium in the body.^6,7

Ask your pharmacist or doctor first

Lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors can raise blood potassium. The lisinopril label lists potassium supplements and potassium-containing salt substitutes as risk factors, and tells patients not to use such salt substitutes without asking their physician.^4,6

On the medicine's label

Ask your pharmacist or doctor first

Losartan and other angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) reduce how much potassium leaves in urine. The losartan label says other products that raise blood potassium can lead to high potassium, and tells patients not to use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without asking their healthcare provider.^5,6,7

On the medicine's label

Who is more affected by sodium?

MedlinePlus says most adults should eat less than 2.3 g of sodium a day, and that some people, including those over 50, are more sensitive to salt and should eat less.²

Too much sodium can cause a serious buildup of fluid in people with heart failure, liver cirrhosis or kidney disease.⁸

Who should ask a doctor before using electrolytes?

Anyone with high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney or liver disease.^2,8
Anyone taking a blood pressure medicine, a water pill, lithium, or a medicine that raises potassium, such as an ACE inhibitor, an ARB or spironolactone.⁶
Anyone told to limit salt or potassium.^2,6
Anyone over 50, who may be more sensitive to salt.²

Ask your doctor, and bring the label of the mix so the sodium and potassium per serving can be added up.

Questions people ask

Do electrolytes raise blood pressure?

The sodium in electrolytes can add to a high-sodium diet. FDA links high-sodium diets to a higher risk of high blood pressure. Check the sodium per serving and ask your doctor if you have high blood pressure.¹

Does sodium in electrolyte powder affect blood pressure?

FDA counts a serving with 20% or more of the sodium Daily Value of 2,300 mg as high. Read the Supplement Facts panel and ask your doctor if you have high blood pressure.¹

Are electrolytes safe with blood pressure medicine?

The lisinopril and losartan labels warn against potassium supplements and potassium salt substitutes without asking a clinician. Many mixes contain potassium, so ask your pharmacist.^4,5

How much sodium is too much per day?

FDA lists the Daily Value as less than 2,300 mg a day, about 1 teaspoon of salt, and says Americans average about 3,400 mg. Ask your doctor if you have a condition that limits salt.¹

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Sources

This page is information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.