Waterbury, VT
A 38-year-old male asked:
Could a runner running in the heat who was drinking a sport drink with only potassium chloride and carbohydrates (no sodium at all) get hyponatremia?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Jason Klineanswered
Nephrology and Dialysis 20 years experience
Yes. : Any drink that doesn't taste like the ocean is mostly water, regardless of whether it contains sodium or not. Long distance runners can be susceptible to hyponatremia, and risk factors include long distances (marathons, ultra-marathons), women, low body weight, inadequate training, and water loading before and during the race, especially if more weight is gained by water than lost by sweat.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 15, 2013
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.