The 8 Greatest Electrolytes for Children of 2024

Rising fluids, together with water, juice, and broths or soups, can assist youngsters keep hydrated—particularly whereas sick—however generally an electrolyte complement is useful. In truth, Caitlin Waddle, MS, RDN, LD, proprietor of Sprout Pediatric Diet, recommends electrolyte dietary supplements for sick youngsters who’re dropping fluids from vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating from a fever.

Electrolytes are minerals which might be wanted for nerve and muscle perform, acid-base steadiness, and hydration. Electrolytes embody sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphate. Electrolyte dietary supplements make it simple to get electrolytes in, even when your youngster isn’t in a position to eat or drink a lot. Electrolyte dietary supplements ought to have not less than sodium, potassium, and chloride, and lots of have some sugar for an easy-to-digest vitality supply. Sodium and sugar, particularly, assist the physique to carry onto water and rehydrate sooner. 

We chosen electrolyte drinks that supply kid-friendly flavors and make preparation so simple as doable. We additionally prioritized merchandise that comprise high quality components that supply kid-safe quantities of vitamins. A few of our decisions had been taste-tested by our editors in our testing lab, and a few had been chosen after talking to our specialists. We’ve bought you coated for youths going through completely different challenges, like nausea and even reluctance to drink an electrolyte drink. All of our product decisions and knowledge are reviewed by a pediatric specialist from our evaluation board to make sure probably the most correct and secure choices and knowledge.

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Product Evaluations

Greatest General:  Kinderlyte

Why We Advocate It

Kinderlyte is a doctor-formulated, ready-to-drink beverage that gives an efficient electrolyte choice with none synthetic colours or flavors and comparable components to the extra acquainted Pedialyte. Kinderlyte is increased in sodium per liter than most of the different choices, which might be extremely helpful for youngsters experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. 

Like Pedialyte, Kinderlyte comprises zinc along with electrolytes sodium, potassium, and chloride. This may be useful for sick youngsters, as zinc performs a task in immune perform. One good characteristic that permits Kinderlyte to face out is that it fully avoids the usage of synthetic meals coloring through the use of fruit/vegetable juice to offer coloration. It additionally is available in seven flavors, making it probably one would possibly sound good to your youngster. It gives barely extra energy per serving than many different electrolyte replacements, making it useful in case your youngster isn’t consuming a lot. All in all, this can be a nice product that hits all of the important marks.

However Take Observe

Kinderlyte makes use of a small quantity of stevia along with sugar. There may be little analysis on the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners, akin to stevia, in youngsters.

Product Particulars:

• Kind: Able to drink liquid
• Electrolytes included: Sodium, potassium, chloride 
• Serving dimension: 12 ounces
• Sodium per serving: 460 milligrams 
• Sugar per serving: 8 grams
• Really helpful use: 1-2 liters per day whereas signs persist
• Flavors: Fruit punch, orange, grape, cherry punch, lemonade, strawberry, strawberry punch
• Third-party examined: Sure, Glyphosate Residue Free Licensed and FDA-regulated medical meals/beverage. 

Greatest Finances: Pedialyte Electrolyte Resolution Unflavored

Why We Advocate It

Pedialyte has been round for many years and is straightforward to seek out in most shops. It affords the fundamental electrolytes—sodium, chloride, potassium—in quantities that enable for a number of doses a day if wanted. It additionally comprises zinc, which isn’t an electrolyte however may be particularly essential if a baby is sick. Much like our high decide, this can be a ready-to-drink type that doesn’t require any mixing. 

Pedialyte Electrolyte Resolution Unflavored doesn’t comprise any high-intensity/non-nutritive sweeteners, added flavors, or colours. This can be particularly useful for youths who’re delicate to the everyday added flavors or colours or the aftertaste of sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit. As a result of it’s unflavored, it may be tailor-made to fulfill a baby’s taste preferences by including a splash of their favourite juice. Pedialyte additionally affords USDA Natural choices which might be freed from synthetic colours, flavors, and sweeteners, however they’re sweetened with stevia. 

However Take Observe

Whereas this drink’s “clean slate” unflavored choice means no added colours, flavors, or sweeteners with aftertaste, it additionally means not all youngsters might prefer it. Though it’s unflavored, it’s nonetheless sweetened. So, including a squeeze of lemon and even serving it with an ice pop to stir would possibly assist youngsters who aren’t fast followers. Additionally be aware it’s beneficial to throw out any unused merchandise 48 hours after opening.

Product Particulars:

• Kind: Able to drink liquid 
• Electrolytes included: Sodium, potassium, chloride
• Serving dimension: 12 ounces
• Sodium per serving: 370 milligrams 
• Sugar per serving: 9 grams
• Really helpful use: 1-2 liters per day whereas signs persist
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Third-party examined: Sure, FDA-regulated medical meals/beverage

Greatest Components: Hydrant Hydrate Hydration Drink Combine 

Why We Advocate It

Hydrant Hydrate fruit-flavored powdered electrolyte mixes are flavored with powdered fruit juices and are third-party examined for ingredient accuracy and lack of contaminants. The colour in every combine comes from powdered fruits and veggies. Whereas they do comprise a small quantity of monk fruit, the bottom of the product is cane sugar. We predict these have a delicate taste and dissolve nicely, making them an ideal product for youths who is likely to be postpone by undissolved solids or overpowering flavors.

Whereas this product isn’t particularly formulated for youths, it comprises applicable quantities of electrolytes for use for youths. Along with the everyday sodium, potassium, and chloride, this product additionally comprises magnesium and zinc. Magnesium may be misplaced throughout vomiting and diarrhea. Zinc is particularly essential if a baby has diarrhea.

However Take Observe

These powders solely are available three flavors, in contrast to among the different choices, which provide extra selection. Additionally they use monk fruit extract, which may have a definite style that some youngsters may not like. 

Product Particulars:

• Kind: Powder
• Electrolytes included: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride 
• Serving dimension: 1 pack (7.5 grams) in 8-16 ounces of water
• Sodium per serving: 260 milligrams 
• Sugar per serving: 4 grams
• Really helpful use: 1-2 liters (2-4 packets) a day whereas signs persist
• Flavors: Blood orange, fruit punch, lemon-lime
• Third-party examined: No

Greatest for Toddlers: Innocent Harvest Natural Coconut Water

Why We Advocate It

Innocent Harvest Natural Coconut Water has a delicate taste that is likely to be extra attractive to youthful youngsters who might not just like the stronger flavors of the flavored electrolyte choices. Coconut water has a increased focus of naturally occurring sugar from the coconuts, which helps the physique maintain to water and gives a quick-releasing vitality supply. It’s a good supply of potassium and likewise comprises small quantities of sodium and phosphorus. 

This coconut water comprises one ingredient: coconut water. So, it doesn’t have any added flavors, colours, or sweeteners. This ready-to-drink beverage freezes nicely and may be frozen as-is in ice pop molds. The refined taste makes it simple to combine with different juices, so if a baby has a favourite juice, including a splash might make them extra enthusiastic about coconut water. Its sweeter taste profile additionally makes it an ideal choice for utilizing because the liquid in smoothies or oatmeal as toddlers begin to really feel like consuming extra solids. 

However Take Observe

As a result of coconut water comes from a coconut, it’s not applicable for youths with coconut allergy symptoms. Coconut water is decrease in sodium than different electrolyte replacements and would possibly profit from a pinch of salt if youngsters aren’t getting in another salt-containing meals.

Product Particulars:

• Kind: Able to drink liquid
• Electrolytes included: Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium
• Serving dimension: 8 ounces
• Sodium per serving: 50 milligrams 
• Sugar per serving: 13 grams
• Really helpful use: 1-2 liters per day as signs persist
• Flavors: Unique
• Third-party examined: Coconut water is taken into account a bottled beverage (not a complement), so it’s regulated by the FDA.

Greatest for Nausea: Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier for Children

Why We Advocate It

Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier for Children has B nutritional vitamins and Vitamin C, along with the electrolytes sodium and potassium. These added vitamins may be useful for youths experiencing nausea who’re taking in restricted quantities of vitamins from meals. 

This product is freed from synthetic flavors and colours and is as an alternative coloured with spirulina extract, a kind of blue-green algae. It is available in 5 flavors, which is likely to be useful for a nauseated infant to discover a taste that sounds palatable to them. 

However Take Observe

This product doesn’t comprise zinc, so it is probably not your best option in case your youngster has diarrhea. Along with sugar, it additionally comprises the sweetener stevia.

Product Particulars:

• Kind: Powder
• Electrolytes included: Sodium, potassium, chloride
• Serving dimension: 1 stick (8 grams) in 8 ounces of water
• Sodium per serving: 250 milligrams 
• Sugar per serving: 6 grams
• Really helpful use: 1 packet combined into 8 ounces of water
• Flavors: Tropical punch, cotton sweet, crisp apple, banana, harmony grape
• Third-party examined: Unclear, common Liquid IV is third-party examined

Greatest for Choosy Eaters: Mary Ruth’s Gummy Bears

Why We Advocate It

Mary Ruth’s Gummy Bears affords a singular choice for supplementing electrolytes for a sick youngster. As a result of they’re within the type of a well-liked sweet, they could appear extra acquainted and interesting to youngsters who’re skeptical of the flavour of electrolyte drinks. 

These gummy bears are sweetened with sugar, with 18 grams per serving, offering further energy and an simply absorbable vitality supply for youths who aren’t consuming a lot. Since this can be a increased quantity of sugar, we advocate spreading out the 14-piece serving all through the day to keep away from a blood sugar spike. Along with sugar, it comprises a reasonable quantity of sodium and really small quantities of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. 

This product comprises no synthetic flavorings or colorings and is as an alternative coloured with black carrot juice. We additionally like that Mary Ruth’s practices third-party testing for content material claims and potential contaminants, together with microbial and heavy metals. 

However Take Observe

This product comprises a comparatively decrease quantity of sodium and is not a major supply of different electrolytes. Subsequently, this could not be a good selection for youths experiencing lots of fluid loss, as they would wish increased quantities of electrolytes to adequately replenish and speed up hydration. 

It comprises coconut, which guidelines it out for youths with coconut allergy symptoms. Gummies is usually a choking hazard for youthful youngsters. 

Product Particulars:

• Kind: Gummy 
• Electrolytes included: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium
• Serving dimension: 14 gummy bears
• Sodium per serving: 125 milligrams 
• Sugar per serving: 18 grams
• Really helpful use: 2-4 servings, together with 1-2 liters of fluids as signs persist
• Flavors: Strawberry, orange, and papaya
• Third-party examined: Sure

Greatest Tasting: Earth’s Greatest Electrolyte Resolution

Why We Advocate It

Earth’s Greatest Electrolyte Resolution has a base of fruit juice – both apple or grape. As a result of nearly all of the drink is fruit juice, the flavour of those merchandise could also be extra acquainted and interesting to youngsters who like apple or grape juices. The fruit juice base additionally gives barely extra energy per ounce, which is useful for youths who aren’t in a position to get a lot meals down. In case your youngster likes fruit ice pops, freezing this electrolyte answer in ice pop molds could also be an answer price making an attempt in case your infant doesn’t need flavored liquid.

Along with offering potassium, sodium, and chloride, it additionally comprises 25% Day by day Worth of zinc, which is particularly useful if your youngster has diarrhea and for enhancing the immune system. This drink doesn’t use any added colours or synthetic flavors. 

However Take Observe

Whereas this drink relies on juice, which has pure sweetness, it does have a small quantity of stevia added, which some youngsters may not like. 

Product Particulars:

• Kind: Able to drink liquid 
• Electrolytes included: Sodium, potassium, zinc, chloride
• Serving dimension: 12 ounces
• Sodium per serving: 370 milligrams 
• Sugar per serving: 9 grams
• Really helpful use: 1-2 liters per day whereas signs persist
• Flavors: Apple-citrus, Grape-berry
• Third-party examined: Sure, that is an FDA-regulated medical meals/beverage.

Greatest Decrease Sugar: Treatment Children Hydrating Electrolyte Combine

Why We Advocate It

Whereas sugar can assist youngsters rehydrate sooner and supply a fast supply of vitality, not all dad and mom wish to give their youngsters lots of sugar, notably if they’re getting different sugar (like juice). A lower-sugar electrolyte drink may also be useful if you wish to give them multiple serving of an electrolyte drink per day. Treatment Children Hydrating Electrolyte Combine is made with coconut water powder and pink Himalayan salt, offering each sodium and potassium in quantities that enable for multiple serving per day. It is available in single-serve packets, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go and journey. 

The colours come from fruit and vegetable powders, with no synthetic colours or flavors added. It comprises simply 4 grams of naturally occurring sugar from the coconut water and is as an alternative sweetened with stevia and monk fruit.

However Take Observe

This product comprises a minimal quantity of sugar and two sorts of non-nutritive sweeteners: stevia and monk fruit. Children who don’t like the flavour or aftertaste of those sweeteners might not drink this product. 

Product Particulars:

• Kind: Powder
• Electrolytes included: Sodium, potassium, chloride
• Serving dimension: 1 packet in 8-12 ounces of chilly water
• Sodium per serving: 250 milligrams 
• Sugar per serving: 4 grams
• Really helpful use: 2-4 servings, together with 1-2 liters of fluids as signs persist
• Flavors: Pink lemonade, combined berry, fruit punch
• Third-party examined: That is regulated by the FDA

Ought to My Baby Take Electrolytes? 

In case your youngster is feeling a bit of underneath the climate however is in any other case in a position to eat and drink usually, they probably don’t have to take electrolytes. A lot of deciding in case your youngster wants electrolyte supplementation is taking a look at fluids coming in (i.e. meals and water) versus fluids going out (i.e. urine, bowel actions, sweating). If a baby is placing out extra fluid than they’re taking in, dehydration may end up. 

Electrolyte drinks might assist with the next:

• Lack of urge for food with decreased meals consumption
• Diminished liquid consumption
• Lower in fluid consumption 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Fever accompanied by sweating 

Avoiding Extreme Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalances

Monitoring dehydration danger comes down to a few key factors: consumption/output, bodily indicators, and urine.

• Consumption/output: Are they placing out lots of quantity with vomiting and frequent diarrhea with out changing misplaced fluids? In that case, they could be dehydrated or on their technique to dehydration.
• Bodily indicators: Check out your youngster and their physique and mannerisms. Do they appear notably torpid? Have they got dry lips? Are they crying with no tears? These are all indicators of dehydration.
• Urine: Is a baby producing smaller volumes of concentrated, darkish yellow, and even brown urine? For youthful youngsters, this may occasionally seem like fewer moist diapers.

In case your youngster is unwell and goes longer than eight hours with out consuming or urinating, contact a pediatric healthcare supplier. In these instances, electrolyte drinks is probably not enough to rehydrate, they usually might have medical consideration to interchange misplaced fluids with IV hydration. 

In any other case, prioritize offering fluids persistently. Select fluids that sound probably the most interesting to them and that they are going to persistently sip. In the event that they gained’t drink an electrolyte beverage, that is the time for a favourite juice or decaffeinated tender drink. Ice pops may also assist exchange misplaced fluids. 

Sodium is essential to assist extra speedy rehydration, so attempt soups and broths or salty meals like crackers and pretzels. “In case you are having hassle getting your youngster to just accept fluids, utilizing a 5 mL medication syringe by mouth is usually a useful means to offer the oral rehydration answer, and it helps you retain monitor of how a lot fluid they’re taking in,” Suggests Waddle. 

Our Complement Evaluate and Testing Course of

When discovering one of the best electrolyte choices for youths, our group of dietitians analyzed present analysis and reviewed a number of merchandise available on the market. We additionally consulted extra pediatric vitamin specialists. 

We seemed carefully at every product’s components by way of quantities and high quality. Electrolyte dietary supplements which might be third-party examined for purity and label accuracy had been prioritized. Bottled oral rehydration options are thought of medical meals, that are FDA-regulated and, subsequently, sometimes should not third-party lab examined. These merchandise will state, “Use underneath medical supervision.” 

We taste-tested over 20 high electrolyte drinks in our testing lab. We integrated our testing insights when relevant, however most electrolytes we take a look at are geared towards adults.

As a result of there are advantages and potential drawbacks to each types of youngsters’s electrolyte substitute–powder or ready-to-drink liquid–we thought of each varieties for inclusion. Whereas our listing gives an ideal useful resource, it’s essential to talk together with your youngster’s healthcare supplier earlier than giving them any dietary supplements.

Our Specialists

The pediatric vitamin knowledgeable we spoke with for this text provided perception into the specifics of electrolyte steadiness in addition to instruments and suggestions for encouraging youngsters to make use of electrolyte drinks once they’re not feeling nicely. Moreover, a dietitian gave suggestions for the electrolyte drinks we examined.

• Caitlin Waddle, MS, RDN, LD, a pediatric vitamin specialist and proprietor of Sprout Pediatric Diet.
• Alena Kharlamenko, MS, RD, CDN a dietitian who makes a speciality of well being and vitamin analysis and complement testing.

Components to Take into account When Looking for Electrolytes for Children

Dosage 

Determining dosage will depend on your youngster’s age, their fluid output, and the way a lot they’re consuming and consuming. If a baby is utilizing the electrolyte complement as their fundamental supply of fluid and electrolytes, then you could want a couple of or extra servings every day. In case your youngster is ready to eat or drink different meals and drinks, then you could solely want a single serving or two. 

On the whole, search for merchandise which have not more than 25% of a kid’s each day wants of any nutrient. Usually, this seems to be like round 200-300mg sodium, 200-300mg potassium, 300-400mg chloride, 15-25mg magnesium, and 50-100mg calcium. Not all merchandise will comprise all of those electrolytes, however you ideally desire a product that features not less than sodium, potassium, and sugar. In case your youngster isn’t consuming any solids, search for a product that additionally consists of chloride. 

The World Well being Group’s Oral Rehydration Resolution recommends barely extra sodium and chloride. Most electrolyte drink merchandise don’t use greater than 200-300mg of sodium per serving for taste causes (it will be too salty for a kid to drink) and as to not exceed the higher restrict beneficial for sodium, which ranges from 800-1,500 milligrams per day, relying on the kid’s age (see DRI’s outlined under). 

Electrolyte Stability and Sugar Content material

Electrolyte wants fluctuate by age. Wanting on the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI), which illustrate how a lot of every nutrient wholesome youngsters want, is a good place to start out when contemplating the dosage of electrolyte merchandise. It’s additionally essential to verify the Tolerable Higher Consumption Degree (UL) of vitamins, the most important quantity that probably poses no well being danger. You wish to purpose to remain throughout the limits of the DRI and by no means exceed the UL. 

Some manufacturers use the World Well being Group’s Oral Rehydration Resolution (ORS) suggestions and listing this on their labels. In case your youngster is ready to eat or drink something other than an electrolyte drink and water, it’s essential to contemplate this within the electrolyte totals– particularly if it’s a fortified meals. Waddle additionally factors out that after a baby is feeling higher and the chance for dehydration is gone, it’s time for them to get again to common fluids that don’t comprise the additional sodium and added sugars.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends youngsters over the age of two purpose for lower than 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day. Nevertheless, when youngsters are sick it’s not the time to consider limiting sugar, however moderately to encourage youngsters to eat/drink what sounds good to them. For teenagers who’re nauseated, have sore throats, or have one other symptom that restricts what feels or sounds good to eat or drink, increased sugar drinks stands out as the best and sensible means for them to get vitality (ie energy) in. Other than offering vitality, sugar can be vital for our our bodies to soak up sodium and fluids.

Really helpful Day by day Quantities of Electrolytes:

• Calcium: 700mg (1-3 years outdated); 1,000mg (4-8); 1,300mg (9-18) 
• Sodium: 800mg (1-3); 1,000mg (4-8); 1,200mg (9-13); 1,500mg (14-18)
• Chloride: 1500mg (1-3); 2,300mg (4-8); 1,900mg (9-18)
• Potassium: 2,000mg (1-3); 2,300mg (4-8); 2,300mg/2,500mg (9-13 women/boys); 2,300mg/3,000mg (14-18 women/boys)
• Magnesium: 80mg (1-3); 130mg (4-8); 340mg (9-13); 360mg/410mg (14-18 women/boys)

UL (Instructed to not go over) quantities:

• Calcium: 2,500mg (1-8), 3,000mg (9-18)
• Sodium: Not sufficient information, use DRI
• Chloride: 2300mg (1-3); 2900mg (4-8); 3400mg (9-13); 3600mg (14-18)
• Potassium: Not sufficient information, use DRI
• Magnesium: 65mg (1-3); 110mg (4-8); 350mg (9-18)

Components and Potential Interactions

It’s important to rigorously learn the ingredient listing and vitamin info panel of a complement to know which components and the way a lot of every ingredient is included, relative to the beneficial each day worth of that ingredient. Please convey the complement label to a healthcare supplier to evaluation the completely different components contained within the complement and any potential interactions between these components and different dietary supplements and drugs your youngster is taking.

Some youngsters’s electrolyte merchandise might comprise zinc, which is misplaced via bouts of diarrhea and will assist youngsters recuperate from diarrhea sooner. Nevertheless, an excessive amount of zinc could cause nausea and vomiting, so it’s essential to remain nicely throughout the beneficial consumption with any product that comprises zinc (3mg/day ages 1-3, 5mg/day ages 4-8, 8mg/day ages 9-13, 11mg/day age 14-18).

Be cautious of merchandise that tout extra advantages, like immune assist, vitality, and many others., as these typically have added components that you could be not need or want–particularly if a baby is utilizing a number of servings a day. Moreover, in case you’re utilizing an grownup model of an electrolyte complement, ensure it doesn’t comprise caffeine and different stimulants. Some grownup variations comprise components like caffeine as a result of they’re marketed as being vitality drinks as nicely. Additionally, electrolyte drinks for adults might comprise electrolyte dosages that aren’t applicable for youths.

Whereas having sugar in an electrolyte can assist with rehydration, many merchandise additionally embody small quantities of high-intensity sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit to steadiness out the saltiness. There isn’t a lot analysis on the usage of these sweeteners for youths, however they’re typically acknowledged as secure.  It’s price noting that these sweeteners do have a taste and aftertaste that may be polarizing. 

Kind and Flavors

In the case of selecting between a powdered product that you simply combine with water or a ready-to-drink product, it principally comes all the way down to taste choice and ease. Both means, throughout the board, the advice is to serve these drinks chilly for one of the best taste. Whereas ready-to-drink merchandise take the guesswork out of measuring water and mixing, powdered merchandise sometimes supply extra taste choices and flexibility. The powdered choices have a tendency to come back in a wider assortment of flavors, may be simply stashed in a journey bag, and infrequently have a variety of how a lot water you’ll be able to combine with them to supply a extra diluted or concentrated taste. 

With the powdered mixes, you do should be cautious to observe mixing instructions precisely. With premixed liquids, when you open the container, it must be used inside a few days. Powdered mixes principally are available particular person packets, which means you simply have to open what you want on the time.

It’s possible you’ll discover that some ingredient lists have salt, which implies the product comprises sodium chloride and gives each sodium and chloride. Different merchandise use sodium citrate and will add chloride individually. In case your youngster doesn’t love the saltiness of electrolyte replacements, choosing a product that makes use of the sodium citrate type (which has a extra tart, much less salty taste profile) could also be extra palatable to them. Equally, tart flavors– lemon, lime, orange– might masks the saltiness of electrolyte replacements higher.

What age ought to electrolytes be used?

For youngsters underneath one yr of age, communicate to a healthcare skilled earlier than giving any electrolytes or fluids. For teenagers older than one who’re nonetheless receiving some human milk or toddler formulation, this fluid will should be thought of within the large image when deciding whether or not or to not use an electrolyte substitute.

Who We Are

Willow Jarosh, MS, RD, CIEC is a dietitian with a personal apply in NYC. She works with people and households to assist heal and assist their relationships with meals and consuming. She’s additionally the mother to a six-year-old. She totally vetted every product, interviewed specialists, and seemed on the newest analysis on utilizing electrolytes for youths.