Does Body Fuel Have Electrolytes? An In-Depth Look at Hydration

December 2, 2025 •

2 min read

According to Applied Nutrition's product information, their Body Fuel hydration drink contains 665mg of multi-source electrolytes per bottle. So, does Body Fuel have electrolytes? Yes, it is specifically formulated with a blend of essential electrolytes to support hydration, muscle function, and recovery during intense physical activity.

Quick Summary

Applied Nutrition's Body Fuel is an electrolyte-rich hydration drink featuring a blend of minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It is designed to replenish fluids lost during exercise and support muscle function and recovery, offering a sugar-free, low-calorie option for active individuals.

Key Points

Contains Electrolytes: Yes, Applied Nutrition's Body Fuel contains 665mg of multi-source electrolytes per bottle, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Supports Hydration and Recovery: The drink is specifically formulated to aid in rehydration and support muscle function and recovery, particularly after intense workouts.
Zero Sugar Formula: Body Fuel is a sugar-free, low-calorie option, making it suitable for those who want to avoid added sugars in their hydration drinks.
Includes BCAAs: In addition to electrolytes, it contains Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) to assist with muscle recovery and reduce fatigue.
Benefits Intense Activity: While plain water is sufficient for light exercise, Body Fuel is tailored for individuals engaged in prolonged or high-intensity physical activity.
Informed Sport Tested: Applied Nutrition products are often tested under the Informed Sport program, providing a high level of assurance for professional athletes.

Understanding Electrolytes and Their Importance

Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals vital for bodily functions, including maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. They are lost through sweat during exercise, particularly sodium, and need replenishment to prevent dehydration, cramps, and fatigue. Hydration drinks like Body Fuel are designed to replace these lost minerals more effectively than plain water.

The Electrolytes Found in Applied Nutrition Body Fuel

Applied Nutrition's Body Fuel is formulated as an electrolyte water for athletes and active individuals. Key electrolytes present include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The drink aims to provide an optimal blend for absorption.

Comparing Body Fuel with Other Hydration Options

Here's how Body Fuel compares to a popular competitor, Prime Hydration, and plain water:


Feature	Body Fuel (Applied Nutrition)	Prime Hydration	Plain Water
Primary Function	Advanced Hydration & Recovery	General Sports Hydration	Basic Rehydration
Electrolyte Content	665mg (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, etc.)	825mg (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, etc.)	None (contains trace minerals only)
Electrolyte Sources	Mineral salts	Natural sources like coconut water	Naturally occurring in tap or bottled water
Sugar Content	Zero sugar	2 grams per serving	Zero sugar
Calories	5 calories per serving	20 calories per serving	Zero calories
BCAA Inclusion	Yes (250mg)	Some formulations may vary	No
Best for	Intense workouts, quick rehydration, and recovery	General hydration for moderately active individuals	Everyday hydration for most people

Benefits and Considerations of Choosing Body Fuel

Body Fuel is beneficial for those in prolonged or intense physical activity, helping replenish lost minerals, prevent dehydration and muscle cramps. Its BCAAs also support muscle recovery. Being sugar-free and low-calorie is another advantage. However, for average or light exercisers, water is usually sufficient. Overconsumption of electrolytes without need can be counterproductive. Individual needs vary, so consulting a health professional for advice is recommended, especially with pre-existing conditions.

The Role of Key Minerals in Body Fuel

Sodium: Essential for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle function; encourages fluid intake and retention.
Potassium: Important for proper nerve and muscle function, including heart muscle contractions.
Calcium: Necessary for bone health, muscle movement, and nerve communication.
Magnesium: Involved in numerous bodily reactions, including muscle and nerve function and energy production.

Conclusion

Applied Nutrition's Body Fuel is an electrolyte drink formulated for active individuals requiring optimal hydration and recovery. Its blend of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium addresses mineral loss through sweat. The sugar-free, low-calorie profile and inclusion of BCAAs make it suitable for intense exercise. While water serves daily hydration needs, Body Fuel provides a targeted solution for performance support.

For more details on electrolytes and athlete hydration, the Sports Dietitians Australia factsheet is a valuable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Body Fuel contains a blend of key electrolytes, including sodium (as sodium chloride and citrate), potassium (as tri-potassium citrate), calcium (as calcium carbonate), and magnesium (as magnesium carbonate).

For basic, everyday hydration, water is sufficient. However, for replenishing minerals lost during intense or prolonged exercise, Body Fuel's electrolyte content makes it more effective than plain water.

Yes, Applied Nutrition's Body Fuel is a zero-sugar and low-calorie hydration drink, using sweeteners like sucralose instead of sugar.

There are only 5 calories per 500ml bottle of Body Fuel, making it a low-calorie hydration option.

Body Fuel is most beneficial for athletes and individuals engaged in intense physical activity, as it helps replace the essential electrolytes and amino acids lost through sweat to support recovery.

Compared to Prime Hydration, Body Fuel has fewer calories and zero sugar, though it contains a slightly lower total amount of electrolytes. Body Fuel also uses mineral salts, while Prime uses some natural sources like coconut water.

Yes, Applied Nutrition offers several Body Fuel products, including a ready-to-drink electrolyte water, a caffeinated energy drink version, and a hydration powder for mixing.