Hydra Charge by Kaged Review

The purpose of Hydra Charge by Kaged is to replenish essential electrolytes lost during exercise or supplement electrolytes missing in your diet. It is specially formulated with 351 mg of all five main electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium), with additional performance-boosting ingredients and key antioxidants. I purchased this product independently and would recommend it to all athletes, casual gym goers, and those looking to aid in workout performance from a cellular level.

Where to buy it

You can buy Hydra Charge by Kaged at the following retailers:

• Kaged

Experience

I have been using Hydra Charge since its launch over 5 years ago. Having previously utilized the ketogenic diet to aid in fat metabolism, I’ve struggled with losing extracellular fluid and electrolytes. Thus, replenishing the electrolytes in my diet has been crucial for my general well-being, muscular function, and sports performance. 

Unlike Gatorade and Powerade, which contain high amounts of sugar and can be costly, Hydra Charge is flavored with sucralose and natural flavors. 

Dose/Scoop Size

Hydra Charge’s dosing is the same for all flavors in terms of the micronutrients and electrolytes; however, the apple limeade is a little more in grams weight per scoop. Each container has 60 servings, which works well, but my hope is they bring the 90-serving container back. The Kaged line’s labels have changed recently, but it is still the same product. 

At 4.8g per serving, which is a slightly rounded scoop, 25-30 ounces of water is an appropriate amount for dilution. A heaping scoop will require closer to 50 ounces of water to optimize flavor. I mixed Hydra Charge with up to a gallon of water, and 2 heaping scoops were appropriate. 

The picture below is of a single serving; the settling particles are salt and SPECTRA (the vegetables in the blend). You may need to adjust the dosing based on your needs, training intensity, and flavor preferences.

Effects

While some pre-workouts are directly noticeable, Hydra Charge is a bit different. 

When taking this product as directed during or after exercise, I noticed minor improvements in my endurance and energy. Even though this product isn’t a replacement for EAAs, I experienced improved muscular function and reduced muscle cramps. 

Hydra Charge also reduced the negative effects of exhaustion and dehydration that occur after long training sessions. Lastly, I noticed reduced headaches and brain fog while using this product, especially when following the ketogenic diet.

Side Effects

This product has no adverse side effects if you use it as directed. If you have a well-balanced diet, limit the use of this product to some extent (i.e., fewer servings every two days). 

Flavor

While flavoring is subjective, I will give my thoughts on each flavor I have tried. 

• Apple Limeade – The taste of this flavor is the most subtle. The apple comes across as having a crisp and refreshing taste. I consistently reach for this flavor every few tubs I purchase.

• Fruit Punch – This will be your jam if you enjoy fruit punch. It is a strong flavor, and while I do enjoy it, I still prefer the next flavor.

• Orange Mango – The original, the GOAT, and OG! This is the flavor I always recommend. Throughout the years, everyone online has sought this flavor, and it is a solid 10 out of 10.

• Pink Lemonade – is a very sweet, mildly bitter, yet tasty flavor.  It reminds me of those days of drinking country-time lemonade but with less sugar.

Ingredients

Below is the ingredient breakdown. To learn more about electrolytes, please see this research article. (Link) 

Calcium – 37 mg

Calcium plays a very important role in the physiological role of the human body, as it is utilized in the contractility of muscles, bone generation, and secretion of hormones. 

Calcium supplementation isn’t always necessary if the diet is well balanced; however, through endurance exercise and loss of extracellular fluid, appropriate supplement amounts can range up to 1.2 grams. (Examine)

Phosphorus – 37 mg

Phosphorus at this dosage is interesting, as the phosphorus dosage is the same as calcium’s dosage. It is important to maintain your phosphorus level as it helps with ATP production. 

Magnesium – 15 mg

Similarly to phosphorus, magnesium is used to produce ATP. Low levels can cause muscle soreness or contractility issues. Although most people reach for high-potassium foods to address muscle spasms, they are typically caused by low magnesium levels. Depending on your diet, it can be very important to supplement with magnesium to aid in recovery.

Sodium – 115 mg

Sodium is the most important electrolyte since it is readily lost through sweating. Sodium dosage depends on which source you look at, but all electrolyte products contain various amounts ranging from 50mg to 1g (as seen in LMNT). The proper dosage depends on your unique needs, diet, exercise, and nutrition which is affected by previous medical history (i.e., hypertension). I personally would like to see this dosage higher. However, sodium affects the taste and isn’t desired by all users.

Potassium – 107 mg

Potassium is an essential mineral that regulates blood pressure and contractility of the heart tissues. It helps reduce muscle cramps and weakness in the muscle fibers. High potassium dosages aren’t typically found in supplements due to the effect on the body when ingested in large amounts. Potassium is typically found in fruits, some vegetables (bok choy, potatoes, beets, bananas, broccoli, avocados, and more), and cream of tartar powder. 

Taurine – 1 g

Taurine is a common ingredient with many positive effects, such as enhanced physical performance, improved DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), improved blood pressure via higher cardiac output, possible reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increased uptake of glycogen to mitochondria for energy utilization (Examine). Taurine supplementation might block the uptake of Beta-Alanine as they are antagonistic, which wouldn’t be an issue if used aside from pre-workout. It is not commonly known that Beta-Alanine/Carnosine is a taurine-depleting antagonist (Examine). A 1 g Taurine dose is an adequate amount (1-6 grams per day in studies); however, more would boast better benefits.

Coconut Fruit Water Powder – 500 mg

Coconuts are a highly effective fruit and aid in hydration. Coconut water contains 94% water, various B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and sodium. Powdered coconut contains all the important properties needed for hydration. 500 mg is a good dosage since the additional electrolytes are added to this formula. 

SPECTRA ORAC Blend – 100 mg

Spectra Orac blend is an added bonus in this formulation, and it is the only specially formulated hydration product in the realm of sports supplement electrolyte formulations. Spectra Orac blend is an antioxidant engineered for optimal hydration. This blend contains coffee extract. Although it is likely a small dose of caffeine, you can read more about the dosage on the Kaged website at this link.