Tested: LMNT v. Magna v. Ath Lytes
Electrolyte Comparison
When you’re grinding through a trail run or multi-day backpacking trip, your electrolyte mix can make or break your day. The wrong one leaves you cramping or fading; the right one keeps you steady. Here, I’m comparing LMNT, Magna, and ATH Lytes to show what’s in each and why it matters for off-road adventurers. This quick read cuts to the chase, helping you pick the mix that fuels your next outing.
Why Electrolytes Matter
Your body relies on the sodium-potassium pump to balance ions, powering muscle contractions and nerve signals. Sodium maintains fluid balance, which is critical when sweat may drain up to 7,000 mg daily (Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 20171). Potassium keeps muscles firing on long hauls. Magnesium supports energy and prevents cramps. An imbalance risks fatigue or worse.
How The Mixes Stack Up
LMNT
Sodium: 1,000mg
Potassium: 200mg
Magnesium: 60mg
Magna
Sodium: 340mg
Potassium: 150mg
Magnesium: 210mg
ATH Lytes
Sodium: 1,000mg
Potassium: 310mg
Magnesium: 105mg
Chloride: 1,860mg
Where Their Minerals Come From
LMNT uses sodium chloride, while ATH Lytes chooses pink Himalayan salt, tested for heavy metals. Magna’s sodium source isn’t clear. For potassium, LMNT and ATH Lytes use potassium chloride; Magna doesn’t specify. Magnesium differs: LMNT’s 60mg malate is gentle, ATH Lytes’ 105mg glycinate absorbs well, and Magna’s 210mg mixes L-threonate, glycinate, and malate for comprehensive benefits.
Taste and Carriers
LMNT’s fruit flavors, sweetened with stevia, use maltodextrin, which may affect blood sugar. Their Lemonade Salt uses tapioca fiber2. Magna’s fruit flavors include minimal maltodextrin. ATH Lytes’ lemon and orange oils, sweetened with monk fruit, use acacia gum, which is gut-friendly.
Extras and Quality Control
LMNT adds citric acid for absorption. Magna includes vitamins D, B6, and B12. ATH Lytes’ chloride and trace minerals aid hydration. LMNT shares recipes but not testing details. Magna claims safety without evidence. ATH Lytes tests for contaminants.
The Bottom Line
Each brand takes a different approach. LMNT keeps it simple with one type of magnesium and straightforward flavoring. Magna goes all-out with three types of magnesium and added vitamins. ATH Lytes focuses on clean carriers and transparent sourcing, providing the most balanced electrolyte profile.
The ingredient quality is solid across all three—it comes down to what you prioritize: simplicity, comprehensive nutrition, or clean processing.
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My Personal Experience
I used LMNT exclusively during my training for Ironman Lake Placid (2019-2021), and for the most part, it worked well. But I couldn't figure out why it bothered me during more intense workouts—there was something about it that didn't sit well when my heart rate was elevated. It wasn't until this past year, while preparing for my first 50-mile ultramarathon, that I began seeking alternatives, as I had learned that LMNT was using maltodextrin as a carrier. That's when it all clicked—I've discovered through trial and error that maltodextrin doesn't work for me during higher aerobic activities.
That led me to try Magna early this year, and while I really like it as a post-exercise recovery drink, I found it had similar issues during workouts. Since both LMNT and Magna use maltodextrin, I started diluting them to half-strength, which made them more usable during activity. However, I then realized I was effectively cutting my electrolyte dosage in half, which defeated the purpose.
More recently, I discovered ATH Lytes, and everything changed. Even at full strength, they're light on the palate and cause zero digestive issues during high-intensity aerobic work. The acacia gum carrier seems to make all the difference for my system. After years of trying to make other products work and recently testing these alternatives extensively, ATH Lytes has proven to be the most effective solution for me during sustained, intense exercise.
Normative data on regional sweat-sodium concentrations of professional male team-sport athletes | Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | Source
Currently testing this formulation. No conclusion yet.