SaltStick® Unveils Groundbreaking Clinical Study Indicating FastChews® Can Replenish Electrolytes Within Minutes

February 18, 2025

Results suggest nearly 50% of FastChews’ sodium content can be absorbed within the first 45 seconds

THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF — February 18, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – SaltStick, a leader in electrolyte innovation, today announced the results of a first-of-its-kind scientific study that demonstrates the unique, fast-acting power of FastChews, chewable electrolyte tablets that replenish electrolytes in a fast, convenient way. The study, conducted by researchers at Western Colorado University in partnership with SaltStick, found participants could absorb significant amounts of sodium and potassium – the main electrolytes lost during exercise through sweat – within the first minute of chewing the product.

“Since SaltStick launched almost 20 years ago, we’ve maintained laser focus on electrolyte products that maximize convenience and efficacy. This study adds to the overwhelming amount of anecdotal evidence from thousands of athletes who rely on FastChews to help prevent muscle cramps, fatigue and heat stress,” said Paul Vraciu, CEO of Alete Active Nutrition, LLC, which owns the SaltStick brand.

Background

Most hydration products, including sports drinks and electrolyte powders, are swallowed and ingested via the gut, a process which requires at least 20 minutes to enter the bloodstream^[1]. However, the human body also contains cells in the mouth – known as “buccal mucosa” – which can absorb nutrients or ingredients directly. Prior studies have examined active pharmaceutical ingredients to find that smaller particles are especially effective at passing through the buccal mucosa to enter the bloodstream within just a few minutes – significantly faster than absorption via the gut^[2]. This body of research informed the FastChews product design, which launched in 2015.

“SaltStick FastChews are grounded in scientific understanding of how the body absorbs nutrients. We were excited to take that understanding to the next level by directly measuring FastChews’ potential rate of absorption in the lab,” said Holden McRae, Ph.D., ACSM EP-C, Professor Emeritus of Sports Medicine at Pepperdine University, who advised on the study design.

Study Methodology

The SaltStick study aimed to replicate and analyze the consumption process of FastChews – which athletes chew or dissolve in their mouth before swallowing – compared to other electrolyte products like sports drinks and hydration powders that are typically swallowed immediately.

Sixteen subjects, evenly divided between male and female, were recruited by researchers at Western Colorado University in July 2024. Subjects rinsed their mouths with deionized water for one minute before spitting the contents into a container, which was used to measure baseline sodium and potassium concentration in their saliva.

Three separate measurements were then conducted, in randomized order across the subjects.

• Subjects chewed SaltStick FastChews for 45 seconds, before spitting the contents back out to measure electrolyte content.
• Subjects swished 25 milliliters of a sports drink in their mouths for three seconds, before spitting the contents out to measure electrolyte content. This was repeated twice.
• Subjects swished 25 milliliters of a prepared solution of electrolyte powder mixed with water in their mouths, also for three seconds, before spitting the contents back out. This was repeated twice.

The specific time intervals were chosen to replicate the typical usage of each product. Between measurements, subjects rinsed their mouths thoroughly with deionized water to ensure no carry-over from the previous test.

The final electrolyte content of the subjects’ saliva/product was compared against the original electrolyte content of the products, which was measured in the lab at the start of the experiment. The difference between the two values was calculated as the amount of sodium and potassium absorbed. Throughout the process, subjects were instructed and monitored to avoid swallowing any of the products.

“In a real-world scenario, athletes would obviously not be spitting the product back out, and it’s safe to assume that any electrolyte content not absorbed during the testing phase would have been swallowed and absorbed via the gut. But that’s a process that takes at least 20 minutes,” said Dr. McRae. “In this study, our goal was to understand how the different product formats affected electrolyte absorption within the first minute, based on how they’re typically consumed.”

Results

The results, which did not differ between men and women, indicated significant amounts of sodium and potassium were absorbed from SaltStick FastChews within the 45-second test. Specifically, the subjects’ saliva indicated they absorbed an average of 50 milligrams of sodium and 12 milligrams of potassium during the testing period from SaltStick FastChews, which equates to 46% of the sodium and 38% of the potassium content in a single two-tablet serving.

Comparatively, saliva measurements indicated that during the test, 6 milligrams of sodium and 2 milligrams of potassium were absorbed from the sports drink, or 18% and 16% of sodium and potassium, respectively, by volume, while 9 milligrams of sodium and 9 milligrams of potassium were absorbed from the hydration powder, or 12% and 17% by volume.

Implications

Electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium, help maintain fluid balance, aid muscle function, and support overall performance. During exercise, these electrolytes are primarily lost through sweat. Over time, reduced electrolyte levels can lead to symptoms of lightheadedness, fatigue, headaches or muscle cramping.

“The findings align with prior scientific research into how the body can absorb nutrients,” said Dr. McRae. “Due to their unique, chewable format, FastChews can be an effective solution to quickly replenish electrolytes within minutes. That matters for someone who is struggling with the acute effects of low electrolytes, such as muscle cramping or lightheadedness.”

The full study can be accessed here.

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About SaltStick

A leader in electrolyte innovation, SaltStick is most known for its FastChews product line, chewable electrolyte tablets that are one of the fastest growing items in hydration. The innovative, chewable tablets are clinically proven to start working within minutes – no mixing and no waiting. Available in eight flavors, FastChews can be purchased at many online and specialty retailers.

SaltStick is part of Alete Active Nutrition, a leader in active nutrition products that serve a range of consumers across its mix of brands, which include SaltStick®, Vitassium®, and Bonk Breaker®. Learn more at aletenutrition.com.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. SaltStick products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

1. Shi, X., & Passe, D. H. (2010). Water and solute absorption from carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions in the human proximal small intestine: a review and statistical analysis. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 20(5), 416-433. ↑
2. Bartlett JA, van der Voort Maarschalk K. Understanding the oral mucosal absorption and resulting clinical pharmacokinetics of asenapine. AAPS PharmSciTech. 2012 Dec;13(4):1110-5. ↑