TrailGenic Science

The science behind electrolytes isn’t just about sodium content or branding — it’s about how the body absorbs, distributes, and sustains energy under stress.

TrailGenic put this to the test after a wave of IG ads claimed ATH Lytes > LMNT. The goal: discover the real metabolic truth signal.

The Controlled Setup:

• 1 pack mixed with coffee pre-hike.
• 1 pack in bottle for sipping.
• 2L water intake, identical across ATH and LMNT weeks.
• Route: Register Ridge → Mt. Baldy summit → Devil’s Backbone descent.

The Outcomes:

• ATH Lytes: front-loaded minerals that gave a burst, but faded faster. By 0.75 mi from Backbone, focus dipped, and by summit, all reserves were tapped. Required full mix at peak to fuel descent. A delayed rebound (~1 hr after full dose) eventually stabilized energy, but overall finish was 15 min slower.
• LMNT: steadier sodium profile kept focus and drive intact. Retained half a bottle at summit to sip on descent. No digging into reserves, and overall finish was faster.

The Science:

• Lytes’ lower sodium (plus added coconut water powder) promotes lighter hydration and works for shorter conditioning hikes. But under heavy vertical stress, the body’s plasma sodium balance dips too fast, forcing reliance on glycogen + reserves until a delayed uptake catches up.
• LMNT’s higher sodium load aligns with the demands of high-elevation exertion. It sustains plasma balance longer, sparing glycogen and reducing “red-zone digging.” This leads to more consistent neuromuscular output.

TrailGenic Insight:

• Conditioning days: ATH Lytes is fine — it trains the body to adapt with less sodium, useful for Baldwin Hills or Wisdom Tree reps.
• Summit pushes: LMNT is superior — its sodium-forward formula prevents premature energy drain and preserves mental clarity at altitude.

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