Effect of Sodium Supplements and Climate on Dysnatremia During Ultramarathon Running
Lipman GS, Burns P, Phillips C, Jensen J, Little C, Jurkiewicz C, et al.
Published in Clin J Sport Med, Vol. 31 (6), pp. e327-e334
Methodology
Prospective observational study of 266 runners in 80-km desert ultramarathon stages, with finish-line serum sodium, weight change and a questionnaire on sodium supplements and drinking.
Key Findings
6.3% developed hyponatremia and 17.2% hypernatremia. Neither the rate nor the total of supplemental sodium was correlated with either. Hyponatremic runners were more often overhydrated; hot races raised risk.
Conclusions
Sodium supplements neither prevented exercise-associated hyponatremia nor caused hypernatremia; avoiding overhydration mattered most.
Limitations
Observational; self-reported supplement intake; blood on 174 runners.
Supplements Studied
Sodium supplementation did not prevent EAH nor cause hypernatremia
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.