Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Has anyone tried Electrolyte Stamina from Trace Minerals Research?

I'm going to try Electrolyte Stamina from Trace Minerals Research. It's a powder provided in a single serve package that mixes with 4-6 oz of water. I mixed two packets per 20 oz water bottle. They suggest 2 to 4 packets, but don't provide a term or time period.

I'm using this to replace sports drinks, I don't want or need high fructose corn syrup and all the other stuff in those products.

"Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak

1200 mg of Vitamin C!

A naturally flavored effervecent “fizzing” drink with vitamins and all major electrolytes

• High potassium
• Great antioxidant
• ConcenTrace© • Vegetarian
• Gluten Free • Low Sugar

Play Harder, Endure Longer!

NEW!—Now Available in Cherry Limeade!
If you have ever felt drained or sluggish after a day in the hot sun or a tough workout, your body may be telling you that it needs more electrolytes.†

Electrolytes are needed to maintain proper fluid balance and to optimize your energy levels so you can function at your best.† Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak is an easy-to-fix high performance energy drink with no caffeine, artificial stimulants or artificial ingredients.

Our formula contains 1200 mg of Vitamin C, an essential anti-oxidant for people who are active and on the go.† It also contains all major electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, chloride and sodium), plus over 72 verified ionic minerals and trace minerals from ConcenTrace®, which accelerates assimilation and absorption of vitamins and nutrients.†

These electrolytes conduct electrical impulses in the body and also help maintain your body’s acid base balance for more energy and vitality.† A deficiency of any one of these electrolytes—or even an imbalance—can cause a wide range of problems, including sluggishness, fatigue, decreased energy and cramping.†

So play harder, endure longer and feel replenished with Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak—the right way to revitalize and recharge your body’s natural energy source. That’s why we back up all of our products with a “Feel the Difference or Your Money Back!” guarantee.

For those individuals who lose high amounts of electrolytes, we recommend also using: Electrolyte Stamina Tablets, Ionic Tonic, 40,000 Volts, and ENDURE.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 packet (6.5 g)
Servings per container 32
Amount per serving %DV*
Calories 10
Total Carbohydrates 2.7 g 1%
Sugars 2.5 g
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 1200 mg 2000%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin HCL) 450 mcg 30%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1 mg 59%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 5 mg 25%
Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCL) 10 mg 500%
Folic Acid 20 mcg 5%
Vitamin B12 30 mcg 430%
Panothenic Acid 3 mg 30%
Calcium (as Calcium Lactate) 60 mg 6%
Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide and Concentrace) 106 mg 27%
Zinc (as Zinc Oxide) 3 mg 20%
Selenium (as Selenium Selenite) 35 mcg 50%
Manganese (as Manganese Citrate) 1 mcg 50 %
Chromium (as Chromium Chelavite) 10 mcg 8%
Chloride (from Concentrace) 18 mg 1%
Sodium 134 mg 6.2%
Potassium (as Potassium Citrate and Concentrace) 201 mg 6%
Concentrace® (special electrolyte trace mineral blend) 100 mg **
Alpha Lipoic Acid 1 mg **
Boron (as Boron Amino Acid Chelate) 10 mcg **
* Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
** Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Crystalline Fructose, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, Lemon Lime Flavor, Stevia. Plus over 72 naturally occuring trace minerals and elements from ConcenTrace®.

Allergen Info: Contains no known allergens.

Suggested Use: Take 2-4 packets daily (depending on activity). Open packet, mix contents with 4-6 oz. of water and enjoy. Some caking may occur. This does not affect the quality or integrity of the product".

Sounds like it's similar to Emergen-C, and the issue with using it over an extended period of time as an electrolyte replacement isn't the mineral balance, but rather the high vitamin content and adverse reactions to B-vitamin overdose.

Also, I don't know about you but large doses of Vitamin C give me nasty heartburn.

I used the Electrolytes Stamina powder in my water bottles yesterday with good results. It was a 70 mile ride in cooler weather, so not the most demanading test of the product, I need to use it again on a longer & warmer ride before I'm satisfied.

The product is easy to mix as a powder when refilling water bottles. It's prepackaged in small packets. The flavor is good, but not great. It's less sweet than almost every bottled sports drink, and thats an important improvement IMO.

I felt strong without any dehydration during the event. I ate twice my normal number of calories during the event by adding a small serving of salty french fries to my normal diet of multiple bananas, dates and one Clif bar.

I'm not sure I completly avoided bloating. I gained weight during the day and did not need to stop and urinate during the ride. However, all functions were normal soon after I finished.

Michael

For less in recycleable (or landfill) waste, you could do what I do:

Get a small widemouth Nalge bottle and mark the side with dose-measures of your favourite powder. I bring a couple 4oz bottles of Cytomax powder cut 50/50 with IsoPure Zero Carb.