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Fringe “Essentials” Supplements
At Fringe, we believe that foundational health starts with giving your body what it needs to function every single day. That's why we created our Essentials line: three core supplements that we think most people should take on most days. The fringe essentials Line These include: Vitamin D & K Mix – for bone, immune, and cardiovascular health. Magnesium Mix – to support over 800 enzymatic processes in the body. Electrolyte + Mineral Mix – to replenish the vital nutrients missing from modern water. Each was chosen not because they’re trendy, but because they fill real gaps created by how we live today — from sun avoidance to soil depletion to water purification. Here’s Why These Three Have Earned Their Place in Our Essentials Line 1. The Vitamin D & K Combo: A Vital Synergy The Widespread Problem of Vitamin D DeficiencyDespite being called the "sunshine vitamin," most people today don’t get enough vitamin D — especially in North America, where long winters, sunscreen use, and indoor living are the norm. Over 90% of Americans don’t get enough vitamin D from their diets, making supplements essential to raise vitamin D levels when sun exposure is inadequate. Why does this matter? Vitamin D plays a crucial role in: Calcium absorption Bone mineralization and remodeling Immune function, including pathogen defense and inflammation control Mood regulation and brain health But supplementing with Vitamin D alone isn’t enough. How your body uses that calcium matters too.Vitamin K: Vitamin D’s Partner in Calcium TransportVitamin K (especially MK-7, the most bioavailable form of vitamin K2) acts like a traffic director for calcium, whose absorption from the intestines is regulated by vitamin D. It activates proteins that help shuttle calcium into bones and teeth (where it belongs), and away from soft tissues like arteries (where it absolutely does not belong).Without adequate vitamin K, high vitamin D and calcium levels could contribute to arterial calcification and cardiovascular issues. That’s why we combine Vitamin D3 and K2 (MK-7) in our Fringe Vitamin D & K Mix.In short: Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium. Vitamin K makes sure it goes to the right places. 2. Magnesium: The Mineral You're Probably Not Getting Enough Of Magnesium is involved as a cofactor or activator in more than 800 enzymatic reactions in the body — everything from energy production and muscle function to blood sugar regulation and stress modulation.Yet it’s one of the most commonly deficient nutrients, with over 50% of adults falling short of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Why Is Magnesium Deficiency So Common? Modern agriculture has depleted our soil of magnesium, so plants (and animals that eat them) contain less. Processed foods — which make up the bulk of the modern diet — are stripped of minerals. Stress, caffeine, alcohol, certain medications, and sugar all increase magnesium excretion. Most multivitamins either lack magnesium or contain forms with poor absorption. Even people trying to eat a whole-foods, nutrient-dense diet may struggle to get enough, especially if they have higher needs due to exercise, stress, or underlying conditions.What Magnesium Supports: Nervous system regulation and resilience to stress Muscle relaxation and prevention of cramps or twitching Heart rhythm stability Sleep quality and circadian rhythm regulation Blood sugar control Bone strength (working hand-in-hand with Vitamin D) Fringe Magnesium Mix is formulated with bioavailable forms (including glycinate, orotate, and malate), making it gentle on digestion and effective at raising magnesium in the body.In short: If you’re not actively supplementing with magnesium, there’s a good chance you’re not getting enough. 3. Electrolyte + Mineral Mix: What Water Is Missing Most people think of electrolytes only when they’re sweating — but these charged minerals are always working behind the scenes to keep your body in balance. What Are Electrolytes? Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge. They’re critical for: Hydration Muscle contractions (including your heart) Nerve signaling pH balance Nutrient transport in and out of cells The key players include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride.The Hidden Problem: Modern Water Is Mineral-EmptyOur ancestors drank natural water from springs and rivers — water that picked up minerals as it flowed over rocks and through earth. This water was a meaningful source of nutrients, especially calcium and magnesium.Today, most of us drink filtered, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water. While necessary to remove contaminants like lead, arsenic, or chlorine, these processes also remove beneficial minerals.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), natural water can contribute 1% to 20% of daily intake for key minerals. Removing them leaves us not only with nutrient gaps, but with “hungry” water that can actually pull minerals from the body.Filtered water has been linked to: Increased mineral losses in urine, sweat, and feces Reduced hydration (water is less retained) Impaired electrolyte homeostasis Why Supplementing Electrolytes Daily Makes SenseFringe Electrolyte + Mineral Mix is formulated to: Re-mineralize filtered or RO water Restore hydration balance Support energy production and exercise recovery Replenish electrolytes lost via sweat, urination, or stress Help offset mineral-poor modern diets It's a simple, effective way to bring your drinking water closer to what nature intended.In short: Supplementing with electrolytes daily helps restore the essential minerals missing from modern, filtered water — supporting hydration; energy, nerve and muscle function; and overall mineral balance. Why We Chose These 3 as Our Essentials You might be wondering: Why these three? Why not include more? Here’s what makes them “Essential”: They’re fundamental – They address chronic, widespread deficiencies They're backed by science - There are decades of research supporting their safety and benefits They’re difficult to get from nature in our modern world – Because of depletion of soil, water, and our indoor lifestyles, the nature-based sources of these nutrients are hard to access. They’re interconnected – Magnesium and Vitamin D work together; electrolytes and magnesium support hydration and muscle function; and vitamin K2 ensures D3 doesn’t misplace calcium. It’s true that some people would benefit from taking additional supplements. But these are the three that most people need most often. Our future plans include developing supplements for special populations, but we’re committed to always being transparent about who would (and would not) benefit from taking them. Our primary goal isn’t to sell products – it’s to educate, support, and empower people to enjoy optimal health as naturally as possible What Makes Fringe “Essentials” Supplements Unique? There are a lot of supplements out there. So, what makes Fringe’s Essentials line stand out? Here’s what sets our Essentials apart: Better Forms of Nutrients – Backed by Science + Vegan Vitamin D3 Unlike most D3 supplements sourced from lanolin (derived from sheep’s wool), ours is 100% vegan, derived from sustainable lichen. + MK-7 Vitamin K2 We use the most bioavailable, long-acting form of Vitamin K2, shown to stay active in the body for up to 48 hours and effectively direct calcium into bones and away from arteries. + Water-Soluble DK Formula Most fat-soluble vitamins are difficult to absorb without food. Our DK is designed for optimal absorption even without fat in a meal, supporting consistency and convenience. + Three Forms of Magnesium Our Magnesium Mix contains a thoughtful blend of magnesium glycinate, malate, and orotate — three highly bioavailable forms that are gentle on digestion and support energy, calm, muscle, and cardiovascular health. + Electrolytes + Trace Minerals Our Electrolyte & Mineral Mix includes a broad spectrum of trace minerals, not just sodium and potassium. Supporting everything from thyroid health to enzymatic function and mimic the natural balance found in spring water. Clean Formulations We skip all the unnecessary extras found in most supplements: No natural flavors No stevia or artificial sweeteners No sugar No gums or thickeners No unnecessary fillers No soy, dairy, or gluten Our belief is simple: If your body doesn’t need it, it doesn’t belong in your supplement. Our Small Scoops Mission One of our core values is helping people feel better, without overwhelming them with capsules or giant scoops. That’s why we’ve committed to our Small Scoops Mission.We formulate our powders to be low in volume and high in impact, so they can easily be mixed into water, added to a smoothie, or even mixed into foods. No giant tubs or 4-pills-a-day protocols. Just what your body needs, in a form you’ll actually want to use. Final Thoughts Health doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s about giving your body the basic building blocks it needs with consistency.Fringe’s Essentials line isn’t about treating symptoms. It’s about supporting your body’s capacity to thrive by filling in modern-day nutrient gaps with the most foundational support we can offer.Because sometimes, feeling better starts with getting back to what’s essential.
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Sodium: Yeah or Nay?
Sodium: Yeah or Nay? Fringe Electrolyte & Mineral Mix contains 190mg of sodium. Of all our supplement ingredients, sodium is the one we get customer queries about most often. These questions generally fall into two camps. In the first, people ask us “is it safe for me to consume that much sodium in an electrolyte supplement 1-2 times per day?” And in the second, people ask us “why isn’t your sodium content higher, like it is in some of the other electrolyte supplements on the market?” Our answer is pretty simple. We formulated the sodium content of our electrolytes with Goldilocks in mind: not too much, and not too little – but just right. Our level of sodium is safe for (almost) all kids and adults when taken as recommended. However, it’s absolutely true that as far as minerals go, sodium is the one whose optimal level of intake is most hotly contested in scientific circles. In this article, we’re going to give you a bit of insight into the sodium controversy, and how we came to determine the level that is “just right” for our customers. Shop Fringe Electrolyte & Mineral Mix Camp #1: "Whoa! Shouldn't I LIMIT my intake of sodium?" Here are some of the points that support this argument: + Supportive points: Several chronic diseases, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and osteoporosis have been associated with high sodium intake. And while association does not necessarily equal causation, there is also some causal evidence that shows that high intakes of sodium can be harmful to health for some people. People who experience poor health in response to sodium are called “salt sensitive”. These people experience an increase in blood pressure with higher sodium intake. Several medical organizations (such as the World Health Organization) recommended a low intake of sodium, in the range of 1500-2300mg/day. Camp #2 "Whoa! Shouldn't I be consuming MORE sodium?" Here are some of the points that support this argument: + Supportive points: The majority of people are not “salt sensitive”. Contrary to popular belief, some research suggests that consuming low sodium (less than 2500mg per day) may be associated with higher, rather than lower, blood pressure. In contrast to the recommendations that US adults should consume 1500-2300mg/day of sodium, research has shown intakes of sodium in this low range can be harmful to health, including increasing the risk of cardiac death, insulin resistance, and adversely affecting blood lipids. The average global intake of sodium per day is 3000-5000mg per day and has been remarkably stable across cultures for many decades, which suggests that this range of intake can be considered as “normal” (even though it is much higher than the medical recommendations). In studies showing harm, sodium intake may be a “red herring” for other more important dietary habits, such as consuming too much. Camp #3: Fringe Electrolyte & Mineral sodium content is JUST RIGHT! Here’s why our sodium content is “just right”: + Supportive points: The PURE study found that sodium intake between 3,000–5,000 mg/day was associated with the lowest cardiovascular risk. Some people, like folks consuming a whole food, paleo or keto diet, usually consume below 2500mg sodium/day, so they can use some additional sodium in their diet. Additional sodium is also needed in many other conditions, like sweating, illness, and hot weather. However, supplements that contain 500-1000mg sodium per serving can quickly bump up daily sodium intake. Think of it like climbing three stairs at a time, rather than one. At just under 200mg sodium per serving, Fringe Electrolyte & Mineral Mix gives you more control over how much sodium you want to consume. Instead of lunging up those stairs, you can do a steady climb, simply by increasing the number of servings per day! All other ingredients in Fringe Electrolyte & Mineral Mix (including chloride, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and trace minerals) are also safe to consume in higher amounts. And if you’ve never seen our scoops – they’re small! Our “small scoop mission” focuses on using simple formulations with minimal ingredients (especially unnecessary fillers). So, it’s really easy to increase the number of servings used per day, based on your personal needs – without worrying that you’re consuming stuff you don’t want more of. Is there anyone who needs to be concerned about their daily sodium intake? Yes! As mentioned, some people are salt sensitive, and their blood pressure increases with increased sodium consumption. Among salt sensitive people, some responses are minimal while others are quite dramatic. If you have hypertension, and especially if you know you are salt sensitive, you do want to be careful not to consume too much sodium. However, if you’re consuming a whole foods, paleo or keto diet, sodium containing supplements may still be needed to get you into a healthy range. Talk to your doctor about your individual needs. Other populations that should limit their sodium intake include people with chronic kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, pregnant women with preeclampsia, and people at risk of stroke. If you have these or any other serious health condition, please consult with your doctor before taking sodium containing dietary supplements. The Verdict? There is clearly controversy about how much sodium people should consume each day. Yet evidence is accumulating that intake less than 2300mg per day (as per official recommendations) may not be optimal for many people. This is suggested by the finding that only 9% of the population currently adheres to this guideline. However, excessive consumption of sodium is not recommended either, with research showing a U-shaped curve in which both very low, and very high, intakes of sodium are harmful, while the middle range of 3000 to 5000mg (or even higher) is ideal. With this target in mind, people can be mindful of their dietary patterns and include supplemental sodium, usually in the form of fluid electrolytes, as needed. Supplements that provide sodium at levels of 1000mg per serving may be ideal for certain populations (like people eating keto or paleo diets, or those losing a lot of salt through sweating), but for average men, women and children, smaller doses of sodium may be more appropriate. So, what’s the verdict? At 190mg sodium per serving, Fringe Electrolyte & Mineral Mix provides just the right amount of sodium for most people to consume one to two servings per day - and this can easily be increased for people with higher needs. An amazing tool for hydration, our mineral mix helps with fluid balance, and supports heart, muscle, nerve and blood vessel functions.
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The Essential Role of Electrolytes in Hydration
Tips for Maintaining Fluid Balance Hydration is about more than just drinking water—it's a delicate balance of chemistry in your body. Enter electrolytes, the unsung heroes of hydration. These tiny, charged particles work behind the scenes to power your body’s most vital functions, from keeping your heart beating to fueling your muscles. Drinking electrolyte rich water makes it much easier to quench your body’s thirst and provides cells and tissues with more of what they need to function optimally. People often turn to electrolytes when they’re sweating through an intense workout, recovering from illness, or navigating a hot summer day, but we also need them in the winter too. During cold winter months, the body’s thirst response diminishes because blood vessels constrict to conserve heat. This reduces the signals to drink water, even though the body still loses fluids. Regardless of season, electrolytes play a critical role in maintaining balance, energy, and health. But what are electrolytes, exactly, and why do they matter so much in hydration? In this article, we’ll cover the basics of electrolytes, explore their importance in hydration, and share practical tips to ensure you stay optimally hydrated no matter what you’re doing. Shop Fringe Electrolyte & Mineral Mix Electrolytes 101 Electrolytes are substances that dissolve in water to produce ions, which are charged particles. These ions conduct electricity, making electrolytes essential for a variety of biological and chemical processes. Common electrolytes include: Sodium (Na⁺): Vital for nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. Potassium (K⁺): Crucial for heart function, muscle contractions, and maintaining cell integrity. Calcium (Ca²⁺): Important for bone health, blood clotting, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Magnesium (Mg²⁺): Supports enzyme activity, muscle function, and energy production. Chloride (Cl⁻): Maintains fluid balance and aids digestion by forming stomach acid (HCl). Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻): Helps maintain pH balance in the blood. Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): Involved in energy production and cellular function. Electrolytes are closely related to minerals because many electrolytes are, in fact, minerals. Minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride serve dual roles as both essential nutrients and electrolytes. Once dissolved in the body’s fluids, these minerals become electrolytes (ions) that facilitate critical processes. This is why Fringe’s electrolyte product is named “Electrolyte and Mineral Mix”! Electrolytes and Hydration Electrolytes are essential for effective hydration because they help regulate the balance of fluids in and out of cells, tissues, and organs. Water alone is not sufficient for proper hydration; it needs electrolytes to ensure that fluids are distributed and utilized efficiently within the body. Electrolytes regulate hydration in several ways: + Regulating Fluid Balance: + Increasing Cellular Water Absorption: Without proper electrolyte balance, it’s difficult for water to be properly absorbed into cells. Cells must be sufficiently hydrated to function properly, so when absorption is impaired, so is function. + Preventing Dehydration: + Replacing Fluid Loss: When you lose body fluids through things like sweating or illness it’s not just water that goes, it’s electrolytes too. So, if you want to replace the fluid that is lost, you have to consume electrolytes along with water. In simple terms, when water is consumed without electrolytes, it can disrupt the delicate balance of fluids in the body, which are a mixture of water along with a range of different ions. To be properly hydrated, you require both. Water As Nature Intended Electrolyte rich water is the way nature intended water to be. Pure H2O is a result of manufacturing, not nature. Water in nature also contains a wide range of nutrients in the form of dissolved minerals… aka electrolytes! As it travels over rocks and through the earth, minerals make their way into water. The composition of natural water varies widely and depends on the geology of the region it comes from. For example, calcium rich water can be found the mountains of Italy, while magnesium rich water is extracted from volcanic groundwater in Germany. How to Stay Optimally Hydrated Here are some practical tips to help you stay optimally hydrated: Listen to your body: Thirst is a natural indicator but can sometimes lag behind actual hydration needs, especially during intense activities. Stay ahead of your thirst by drinking 2-3 litres of fluid daily. Monitor urine color: Pale yellow indicates proper hydration, while dark yellow suggests a need for fluids. Eat electrolyte rich foods: Include naturally electrolyte-rich foods in your diet, such as bananas (potassium), dark leafy greens (magnesium), and dairy products (calcium). Use electrolyte supplements: Supplements can be used daily to enhance the electrolyte concentration of water (especially reverse osmosis water, which is totally devoid of electrolytes). Increase use whenever you have increased fluid loss, such as when exercising, spending time in the heat, or suffering from illness. Drink electrolyte solutions during the activity and afterward to rehydrate. How To Choose an Electrolyte Supplement What to look for in a product: A range of electrolytes, including including sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. %DV (Daily Values) that are less than 20%; in natural water, levels will will be between 1 and 20% DV, so this is a good rule of thumb to follow. Simple, naturally derived ingredients, without added sugars or “natural flavors” Verification of purity through an unbiased chemical analysis performed by a third-party lab. Fringe Minerals and Electrolyte Mix meets all these criteria and is a great option for both adults and kids looking to support their hydration. Simply mix 1 scoop of electrolyte powder into your water, 1-2 times per day.
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Should I Take an Electrolyte Supplement?
The simple answer to this question is: Most likely, yes. The story of fluid-based electrolytes is very much a story of water – which as you will see, has changed dramatically in the last few decades. As water processing has evolved to remove harmful contaminants, essential nutrients (in the form of minerals) have also been lost, with potentially negative consequences. In this article, you’ll learn about the role of fluid-based mineral electrolytes in supporting human health, and how this has changed across time. shop fringe electrolytes How has the composition of drinking water changed across time? When most people think of water, they think of the water molecule: H2O. What many people don’t realize is that water in nature also contains a wide range of nutrients in the form of dissolved minerals. As it travels over rocks and through the earth, minerals make their way into water. The result is complex fluid matrix that is far more than just H2O. The nutrients (minerals) commonly found in natural water include: Sodium Potassium Magnesium Calcium Trace minerals, such as selenium, iodine, molybdenum, zinc, copper, manganese, and chromium. Unfortunately, the water that is accessible to most humans on earth also contains a wide range of potentially harmful contaminants. While developing countries experience the greatest contamination, water in developed countries also often contains contaminants of concern. For example, tap water in the US often contains things like lead, arsenic, and industrial and agricultural contaminants. Removing these contaminants is critical to supporting human health. To remove these undesirable compounds, water filtration devices are used. These devices pass water through a semi-permeable filtration membrane, and range in complexity from simple pitchers and countertop basins to industrial reverse osmosis filtration systems. Reverse osmosis filtration is also widely used in government, commercial, and military applications. Filtration devices do not distinguish between minerals such as magnesium, which are essential for human health, and harmful contaminants such as lead. The filters are non-specific and remove any molecules bigger than the size of the filtration pores, which include naturally occurring minerals. As a result of this processing, our modern filtered water becomes simple H2O. Should water be a source of essential nutrients? A little-known fact is that consumption of water from nature will make a small (but appreciable) contribution to our required nutrient intake, specifically the intake of some minerals, which are a class of micronutrient. Most commonly, recommended nutrient intake is defined using the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which refers to nutrients that come from food. But this term is a bit of a misnomer, as it ignores nutrient intake from water. Instead, the World Health Organization recommends that we use the term Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI, also referred to as the Reference Nutrient Intake), which refers to nutrients that come from food and water. As already mentioned, there are many nutrients that occur naturally in water, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride and potassium. These minerals are estimated to contribute between 1 and 20% of our recommended daily intake values when natural water is consumed. Water makes the most appreciable contribution to nutrient intake for calcium and magnesium, at up to 20%, while for most other minerals it provides between 1 and 5%. By removing minerals from water using processes such as reverse osmosis, we are eliminating a vital nutrient source. Putting minerals back into water, which can be done with electrolyte mineral formulations, is an easy way to circumvent this problem. Are there any health impacts of drinking highly filtered water? While it’s obviously important to remove harmful contaminants from water, this can’t be done without also removing essential nutrients. And there is clearly a downside to this removal. Here are a few important health risks that have been associated with drinking highly filtered water: Mineral loss from the body: Studies have shown that consumption of demineralized water can lead to a loss of body minerals that are excreted in the urine, faces and sweat. In kids, this can slow growth and lead to cavities. Water loss from the body: In addition to mineral losses, drinking demineralized water also leads to the loss of water from the body - there is an up to 20% increased excretion of body water in studies of human volunteers drinking demineralized water. Impaired electrolyte homeostasis: Drinking demineralized water may impair electrolyte homeostasis and lead to changes that may increase the risk of cancer. There is also some evidence of mineral intake specifically from water preventing disease in humans. For example, magnesium in drinking water is associated with protection against death from acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) among males. Similarly, drinking hard water (which contains dissolved electrolytes, including calcium and magnesium) is associated with protection against cardiovascular disease. Drinking hard water has also been associated with a decreased risk of some types of cancer, including stomach and esophageal, as well as stroke. Calcium rich water has also been found to support bone health. What are electrolytes? You’ve probably already realized that the minerals found in natural water have something to do with electrolytes. In fact, many of these minerals are electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and can conduct electricity in the body when in a dissolved state. The most important electrolytes in the body are sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and bicarbonate. These charged ions are found throughout the body, and their levels are carefully maintained in balance, or homeostasis. What do electrolytes do in the body? The general role of electrolytes is to regulate physiological function, but each one is unique. Here is an overview of the primary electrolytes and their specific roles in the body. Why can’t I just consume electrolytes from food and supplements? Electrolytes have two sources in nature, food and fluids (especially water). And in modern society, we’ve added a third: dietary supplements. Both food and dietary supplements are good sources of electrolytes and should comprise the majority of nutrient intake. However, water can provide between 1 to 20% of certain minerals, and it is abundantly clear that consumption of electrolytes from water yields unique benefits irrespective of food and supplement consumption, including protection against: Mineral losses from the body Water losses from the body Some types of cancer Stroke Cardiovascular disease Consumption of electrolyte containing water also supports the maintenance of electrolyte homeostasis in the body, which is essential for optimal physiological function. Water that contains electrolytes is obtained in one of two ways: by drinking natural mineral rich water, or by adding a mineral rich electrolyte supplement to a demineralized water source, such as reverse osmosis water. Can electrolytes become deficient or imbalanced? Electrolyte imbalances can occur when blood levels become too high, or too low. Each electrolyte can become imbalanced, with potentially serious (and even life threatening) consequences. Levels of electrolytes are tightly regulated in the body for this reason, which occurs mainly at the level of the kidneys. Electrolyte deficiencies occur when there is Inadequate dietary consumption of a nutrient. Both imbalances and deficiencies are possible. Do some people need more electrolytes? Yes, there are some people who need more electrolytes. Anyone who – for whatever reason – is losing fluid from the body at a higher-than-normal rate will need to intake more to restore electrolyte balance. And anyone consuming low levels of electrolytes from food and water will require more to prevent deficiency. This applies to the following conditions: People who are exercising and sweating (even more so if in hot and/or humid conditions). People eating a low sodium diet, such as keto, paleo, or other low carb diets. Note – if you are on a low sodium diet because of a medical condition, such as a kidney disease, be cautious about supplemental sodium intake. People who are fasting. People experiencing illnesses involving vomiting and diarrhea. People with certain medical conditions, such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia (POTS) Increasing intake of mineral rich water, either natural or supplemental, as well as consuming more electrolyte containing foods, can help people meet these increased needs. How do I choose a mineral electrolyte supplement? Read the ingredients – Most dietary supplement will contain both active and inactive or “other” ingredients. You need to pay attention to both. Electrolyte supplements should contain several electrolytes, such as sodium, magnesium, chloride, and potassium, as the active ingredients. Although this information may be hard to find, it’s helpful to know where the active ingredients are sourced from. Naturally sourced ingredients are always better than artificial ones. For example, in an electrolyte supplement, a natural source of sodium and chloride would be natural sea salt. Electrolyte supplements usually also contain inactive ingredients. The inactive ingredients are usually there to: (1) provide bulk (filler), (2) hold the product together (binding agents, coatings), (3) add flavor or sweetness, or (4) keep the product from clumping together (flow enhancers). Sometimes this list is long, and it’s often where some undesirable ingredients sneak in, such as potassium sorbate, artificial colors, or titanium dioxide. It’s best to keep this list short and naturally sourced. Verify product purity – Only choose high quality products that verify their purity via an unbiased chemical analysis performed by a third-party lab. These analyses should be reported in a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that is readily available to consumers, often through a QR code link. COA’s should be available for each batch of products, and will measure contaminants such as heavy metals, microbes, and pesticides. Look at the amounts listed in the Nutrition Facts – Electrolyte supplements are not meant to provide high levels of the daily value of nutrients, so when you look at a Nutrition Facts table, the %DV (Daily Value) for each nutrient should be twenty or less. Minerals from natural water will be between 1 and 20% DV, so this is a simple rule of thumb to follow. An additional consideration is that if an electrolyte supplement can be added to water, rather than being pre-packaged in plastic bottles, contamination of the water with microplastics can be reduced. What's NOT in fringe electrolytes? Let’s start off describing what we’ve (intentionally) left out of Fringe electrolytes. They contain no: What's in the tub? Sodium Chloride from Sea salt: Sea salt provides both sodium (at 8%DV) and chloride (at 20% DV). It also contains small amounts of other minerals like iron, iodine, manganese, zinc, and selenium. We opted for a high-quality natural sea salt, sourced from Australian sea water, rather than table salt, because of its natural origin and more diverse mineral profile. Calcium from Calcified Algae Calcium is essential for supporting bone and teeth health, but also important for muscle and nerve function. Potassium: Potassium (at 2% DV) is essential for regulating many processes in the body, including heart, muscle, nerve, and blood vessel function. Magnesium from magnesium malate: Magnesium malate (at 3% DV) is a highly absorbable form of magnesium that helps reduce pain and inflammation, improve mood, and supports heart, nerve, and muscle health – without causing unpleasant digestive symptoms. Trace minerals: We wanted to up the ante on our electrolytes and supplement trace minerals – essential micronutrients which are critical in many biological processes in the body! Our trace minerals are naturally sourced from the Great Salt Lake and include selenium, iodine, molybdenum, zinc, copper, manganese, and chromium. These are present in small amounts that are below 1% DV. *Our ratio of sodium to potassium is at around 3:2, which is the same ratio used by the sodium potassium pump. Non-GMO Inulin: This is a soluble fiber derived from chicory root. It helps to maintain accurate dosing with the product and is also a prebiotic resistant starch which has a positive effect on gut health! shop fringe electrolytes Recap We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article, but the key takeaway is that mineral rich electrolyte supplements will help to support hydration and electrolyte balance. Adding minerals to water at between one and 20% of the recommended daily nutrient intake will restore your water to the way that nature intended. An easy way to do this is by using Fringe electrolytes as a regular part of your wellness routine. Simply mix 1 scoop of electrolyte powder into your water, 1-2 times per day. For a bit of natural flavor, add a squeeze of citrus or a few drops of essential fruit oil. Add a boost of hydration in the morning to start your day right, rehydrate after a tough workout, throw in your kiddos water to keep them hydrated in a clean way…there’s no right or wrong way to do it!
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