For runners who have very salty sweat, it is almost mandatory to consume sodium during exercise to compensate for losses.

noli's read

Sodium loss through sweat is a real physiological phenomenon that varies considerably from one individual to another, as highlighted by the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine (Position Stand). For long or intense efforts, sodium replacement helps maintain electrolyte balance and can prevent hyponatremia, according to observational studies on ultra-endurance. However, the claim that supplementation is 'mandatory' is a generalization; the necessity depends on individual sweat rate, duration of effort, and climatic conditions. While the need for sodium is well-documented scientifically for 'salty sweaters' (those who lose a lot of salt), precisely quantifying this need often requires a personalized sweat test rather than a systematic approach. The mixture of carbohydrates and electrolytes is a classic strategy validated by meta-analyses to optimize hydration and energy performance during prolonged efforts. In short, the advice is scientifically grounded for high-loss profiles, but the 'mandatory' aspect for all cases of salty sweat remains a simplification.

the sources

1. 1Maughan RJ et al. 2016
2. 2Hew-Butler T et al. 2015