When you're in the middle of a tough workout, race, or outdoor adventure, every second counts — especially when it comes to hydration and electrolyte replenishment.
We recently partnered with Western Colorado University to conduct a clinical study that revealed nearly half of the sodium in SaltStick FastChews is absorbed within the first 45 seconds of chewing. This means your body can start replenishing lost electrolytes almost immediately — helping prevent or combat muscle cramps, fatigue, and dehydration quickly.
The Science Behind FastChews
Most hydration products, including sports drinks and electrolyte powders, are swallowed and ingested via the gut, a process that requires at least 20 minutes to enter the bloodstream. 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. 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 & Key Findings
Researchers recruited 16 participants (evenly split between men and women) to test FastChews against a ready-to-drink sports drink and an electrolyte powder mixed with water. Participants rinsed their mouths with deionized water before each test to establish a baseline, then followed these steps, in randomized order:
- FastChews: Chewed for 45 seconds before spitting the contents into a collection container.
- Sports Drink: Swished 25mL for 3 seconds, repeated three times.
- Electrolyte Powder Solution: Swished 25mL for 3 seconds, repeated three times.
The researchers then measured sodium and potassium levels in each sample and compared them to the original product content. The specific time intervals were chosen to replicate the typical usage of each product.
The Results
- FastChews: Subjects absorbed an average of 50mg of sodium and 12mg of potassium during the test — 46% of the sodium and 38% of the potassium in a two-tablet serving.
- Sports Drink: Subjects absorbed 6mg of sodium and 2mg of potassium, equating to 18% and 16% absorption, respectively.
- Electrolyte Powder: Subjects absorbed 9mg of sodium and 9mg of potassium, or 12% and 17% absorption, respectively.
“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.”
What This Means for Athletes
Electrolytes play a vital role in hydration, muscle function, and performance. When sodium and potassium levels drop due to sweat loss, symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches can follow. The ability to rapidly replenish these electrolytes makes FastChews a powerful tool for endurance athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone engaged in prolonged physical activity.
“Due to their unique, chewable format, FastChews can be an effective solution to quickly replenish electrolytes within minutes,” said Dr. McRae. “That matters for someone struggling with the acute effects of low electrolytes, such as muscle cramping or lightheadedness.”
Why Choose FastChews?
- Clinically Proven: The only chewable electrolyte product backed by research showing rapid absorption.
- Convenient & Portable: No mixing, no waiting — just chew and go.
- Great Taste: Available in eight delicious flavors.
- Trusted by Athletes: Used by runners, cyclists, triathletes, and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to hydration and performance, every second counts. With FastChews, you don’t have to wait 20 minutes for your electrolytes to kick in — you can start replenishing in less than a minute. Whether you're racing toward a finish line, hitting the trails, or training hard in the heat, SaltStick FastChews provide the fastest way to fuel your performance.
Want to experience the benefits yourself? Shop FastChews today at SaltStick.com, Amazon.com or at your favorite specialty retailer.
Click here to read the full white paper.
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.
