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Short Summary
Main recommendation: Dr. Eric Westman says LMNT electrolytes are acceptable for most people to use in moderation, despite the revealed presence of maltodextrin, because the amount is very small relative to a low-carb keto diet. He argues the bigger issue is the company's failure to list maltodextrin on the label, while personal tolerance should decide whether someone uses it.
Key Points
- The controversy centers on LMNT's ingredients: the brand marketed itself on having no sugar or questionable ingredients, but maltodextrin was found in the product.
- Westman judges the carb content as negligible: Westman says LMNT lists about 2 to 3 grams of total carbohydrate per serving, while he teaches a low-carb approach capping total carbs at under 20 grams per day.
- He notes maltodextrin is common in other foods, such as shredded cheese and sugar-free drink additives, and says he has recommended similar products to patients for years.
- He states that the company should have disclosed maltodextrin on the label, even though the amount is small and he is not worried about metabolic effects.
- He distinguishes metabolic impact from individual sensitivity, saying a person who reacts to maltodextrin should avoid it.
Details Worth Noting
- Concrete instructions: Track total carbohydrates on the label, not net carbs, if you follow his low-carb approach, aiming for under 20 grams per day in total. Use electrolyte products like bouillon, salt, or magnesium as needed, especially during the first two weeks of keto adaptation. If you get muscle cramps or constipation, he suggests adding magnesium. Stop using any product that causes you a reaction, and continue only if it tolerates well and helps you get sodium and magnesium.
- Westman says that for a typical salt supplement he previously recommended bouillon cubes, crystals, or paste, and milk of magnesia (the blue bottle) for magnesium, though some people dislike its taste.
- He says LMNT's total carbohydrate is about 3 grams per serving (one serving per package), which he jokingly calls a "carblet" or "micro-carb" compared to his recommended 20-gram daily limit; the 31-gram serving figure he mentions refers to a different product (Doritos), not LMNT.
- He mentions he was involved with a bar product through his company, Adapt Your Life, which was discontinued during the pandemic.
- He says he is not worried about plastic or other fear-based concerns and does not consider the product harmful for typical users.
Bottom Line
The maltodextrin in LMNT is a minor carb amount that Westman considers acceptable in moderation, but the lack of label disclosure is a legitimate complaint, and individual tolerance matters most.
