CLIF SHOT Electrolyte is designed to deliver fluids to your body at an optimal rate as you sweat them out. CLIF SHOT Electrolyte contains high levels of sodium and tartness, so that it will quench your thirst, and then subtly prime your thirst mechanism. That way, you keep drinking and stay hydrated. Running out of stored carbohydrate (bonking) is the most limiting factor for endurance athletes. Most people store about 1,600 calories worth of carbohydrate in their muscles and liver. That's not even close to the calories needed to run a marathon! CLIF SHOT Electrolyte allows you to take in additional carbohydrates and push back the time when you could potentially run out of your own stored carbohydrates. Mineral salts such as sodium chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are known collectively as electrolytes. These electrolytes allow electrical impulses to travel properly throughout your body, permitting normal bodily function. When you sweat, you start to deplete your electrolyte stores. Similar to dehydration, electrolyte depletion will first lead to performance declines and then onto more serious health issues. CLIF SHOT Electrolyte and CLIF SHOT Recovery provide you with ample amounts of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium to counteract the losses in your sweat.