Quartz 4

How It Works

3 min read

How It Works

Science behind each ingredient in the electrolyte drink.

Electrolyte Absorption

Dextrose (glucose) activates sodium-glucose cotransport (SGLT1) in the small intestine. Sodium and glucose are absorbed together — one literally pulls the other across the intestinal wall. This is the same mechanism used in WHO oral rehydration solutions. ~6g per serving is enough to meaningfully enhance absorption.

Ingredients

Iodized Table Salt (NaCl)

Sodium is the primary electrolyte lost in sweat. ~1,180 mg per serving (51% DV). Iodized for thyroid support.

Potassium Chloride (KCl)

Highly bioavailable, low-cost potassium source. ~1,050 mg per serving (22% DV). Chloride is not an independent health concern — the chloride UL was derived from the sodium UL, not from chloride-specific toxicity data. The body regulates chloride excretion tightly through the same pathways as sodium.

Magnesium Glycinate

Chelated with glycine for high bioavailability independent of stomach acid or glucose. ~112 mg per serving (27% DV). For optimal magnesium utilization, ensure adequate zinc and vitamin B6 intake (covered partly by the quercetin drops which provide zinc).

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Dual role: provides the acid profile that makes the drink palatable (replacing tartaric acid or citric acid) AND delivers vitamin C. ~2,250 mg per serving (2,500% DV). Plasma half-life is ~30 min to 2 hours — spacing tumblers throughout the day means each dose is processed independently. Excess is excreted via urine (water-soluble). The UL of 2,000 mg/day is based on GI side effects, not toxicity.

Dextrose (Glucose)

Pure glucose for SGLT1 cotransport. ~6g per serving (~24 cal, 13% sugar DV). Also provides mild sweetness. Not the same as table sugar (sucrose) — dextrose is the exact molecule your body uses in the cotransport mechanism.

L-Theanine

Amino acid from tea that promotes relaxed focus by increasing alpha brain wave activity. ~200 mg per serving. Supports calm attention without sedation. Particularly relevant for ADHD. Synergizes with caffeine if you drink coffee. Half-life of several hours — one dose per tumbler is fine.

Creatine Monohydrate

One of the most researched supplements. ~5g per serving. Benefits for MCAS:

  • Supports histamine-metabolizing enzymes (DAO and HNMT)
  • Conserves methylation capacity (methylation is often impaired in histamine intolerance)
  • Reduces inflammation via anti-inflammatory activity in endothelial cells
  • Standard benefits: energy, cognitive function, muscle support

Considered very safe at 3-5g/day. Low salicylate (not plant-derived). Discuss with Xander’s pediatrician before including for him.

MCAS Considerations

  1. Citric acid avoided: Commercial citric acid is produced via Aspergillus niger (mold) fermentation. Ascorbic acid provides the acid function instead.
  2. Citrus avoided (Sara): Citrus fruits can act as histamine liberators. Sara uses maple syrup for flavor instead.
  3. Salicylates avoided (Sara): Ginger, mint, berries, and most fruit powders are moderate-to-high salicylate. Sara’s maple syrup add-in is salicylate-free.
  4. All ingredients identifiable: Every component is a single, known substance. No “natural flavors” or hidden ingredients.
  5. Introduction strategy: If building this recipe from scratch, add one new ingredient at a time over several days to isolate any reactions.
  6. Quercetin drops note: The Totaria drops contain elderberry (Sambucus nigra), which is immunostimulating. Some MCAS patients are cautious — monitor individually.

Supplemental Notes

  • Vitamin B12: Take as a separate sublingual tablet (methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin). Doses are in micrograms — too small for kitchen measurement tools. Sublingual absorption is superior to dissolving in water.
  • Vitamin D, Zinc, K2: Covered by the quercetin drops.
  • Vitamin B6: Important for magnesium utilization. Ensure adequate intake from diet or separate supplement.

Graph View