Is Liquid IV Good for You? – Liquid I.V. is a popular electrolyte powder that claims to help you rehydrate faster than water alone. Electrolyte powders are commonly used in the sports and fitness world to rehydrate and replenish lost electrolytes, which happen when we sweat a lot during exercise or are in hot climates.
Liquid I.V. is an electrolyte powder company founded by Brandon Cohen in 2012. In 2020, Unilever bought Liquid I.V. The company offers various pre-packaged electrolyte powders that are intended to support hydration. In particular, the company is known for its Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), which is better at hydrating than water alone, according to the company.
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How does Liquid I.V. work?
Liquid I.V.’s products are to be used as electrolyte substitutes. Some supplementary ingredients are added depending on the product’s intended benefits.
To use a Liquid I.V. product, empty one packet into 473 mL of water and blend well.
The company claims that their products are unique because of their Cellular Transport Technology, or CTT®️. According to the company, this technology uses active transport instead of passive transport to deliver sodium and water to working cells, allowing people to hydrate faster than standard water alone.
Passive transport (osmosis) occurs when water molecules (a solvent) gradually and naturally pass across a membrane from a low solute concentration (low sodium) to a high solute concentration (high sodium) without assistance.
In contrast, active transport involves sodium, potassium, glucose (sugar), and water actively being transported through the intestinal wall. Ultimately, this can lead to quicker transportation of these compounds.
As per the company’s website, Liquid I.V. products contain a specific ratio of ingredients that’s necessary for active transport to occur.
While this sounds interesting, this concept is not new and has been around for decades.
In fact, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) — beverages that can rehydrate at-risk individuals quickly and effectively — work under the premise of sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs) in the body, pairing sodium and glucose together to facilitate faster water absorption.
That said, Liquid I.V. does meet the standards to be classified as an ORS according to the World Health Organization’s standards. Therefore, it’s reasonable to use this product as an electrolyte replacer.
Liquid I.V. products
Liquid I.V. offers five products, which vary in their ingredients and intended use. All products passed Healthline’s extensive vetting process except for the Sleep Multiplier.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
4.9 (507+) from Liquid IV
Number of servings: 16 per container
Dose: 1 stick (16 g) per day
Available flavors: Tropical Punch, Strawberry Lemonade, Seaberry, Pina Colada, Concord Grape, Golden Cherry, Acai Berry, Guava, Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Watermelon
Price: $24.99
Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier
4.7 (127+) from Liquid IV
Number of servings: 14 per container
Dose: 1 stick (16 g) per day
Available flavors: Mango Tamarind, Yuzu Pineapple, Lemon Ginger
Price: $24.99
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support
4.8 (82+) from Liquid IV
Number of servings: 14 per container
Dose: 1 stick (16 g) per day
Available flavors: Wild Berry, Tangerine
Price: $24.99
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier + Probiotic Kombucha
4.9 (375+) from Liquid IV
Number of servings: 14 per container
Dose: 1 stick (16 g) per day
Available flavors: Tart Green Apple
Price: $24.99
Sleep Multiplier
The Sleep Multiplier is a bedtime drink mix that comprises melatonin, L-theanine, and valerian root to promote better sleep.
Its electrolyte formulation is also, to some extent, different than the Hydration Multiplier, as the Sleep Multiplier contains a little sodium (16% DV versus 22% DV) and a little potassium (4% DV versus 8% DV).
Ingredients
Overall, the ingredients found in Liquid I.V. products are similar to many other electrolyte powders on the market. Here’s a list of these ingredients, including their intended uses or benefits:
- Stevia leaf extract: zero-calorie, zero-sugar natural sweetener
- Cane sugar: simple sugar used for flavor, quick energy, and to support sodium-glucose transport
- Dextrose: simple sugar used for quick energy and to support sodium-glucose transport
- Potassium citrate and dipotassium phosphate: sources of potassium, a common electrolyte lost through sweat
- Salt: Source of sodium, the most common electrolyte lost through sweat
- Sodium citrate: primarily used to help balance flavor
- Citric acid: used to balance flavor and is sourced from cassava root, potatoes, and corn
- Natural flavors: The company claims they source their flavors naturally from various plants.
- Silicon dioxide: common ingredient used for product consistency and texture
- Vitamin C: water-soluble vitamin added to support immune function and recovery
- B vitamins: B vitamins like niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), and cyanocobalamin (B12) are added to support metabolism and cell function.
Liquid I.V. products are also free of gluten, GMOs, dairy, soy, and artificial sweeteners.
Keep in mind that because Liquid I.V. products contain 11 g of carbs and 10 g of sugar, they may not be suitable for people following a ketogenic (keto) diet or those trying to limit their sugar intake.
Also, it’s worth noting that Liquid I.V. products don’t contain other electrolytes that are oftentimes added to electrolyte powders and beverages, including calcium, chloride, and magnesium.
While these electrolytes are not lost in large quantities through sweat, some people may prefer a powder that contains them.
How much does Liquid I.V. cost?
Here are the prices of Liquid I.V.’s supplements
Hydration Multiplier: $24.99 for 16 packets ($1.56 per serving)
Energy Multiplier: $24.99 for 14 packets ($1.79 per serving)
Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support: $24.99 for 14 packets ($1.79 per serving)
Hydration Multiplier + Probiotic Kombucha: $24.99 for 14 packets ($1.79 per serving)
Sleep Multiplier: $23.99 for 10 servings ($2.40 per serving)
You can purchase products in bundles to save money. For example, if you buy the Hydration Multiplier, Energy Multiplier, and Hydration Multiplier + Immune support, you” ‘ll pay $66.99, or $1.52 per serving.
For orders within the United States, shipping is free for standard delivery (3–6 business days) and costs $15 for expedited shipping (2–3 business days).
What are the pros and cons of using Liquid I.V.?
Pros
It comes in convenient on-the-go packets (great for travel).
It has an overall enjoyable taste.
The product comes in various flavors.
It’s not too salty.
It’s helpful for rehydration, especially during exercise or periods of excessive fluid loss.
Cons
Some may find it too expensive.
The Pina Colada flavor is strong and may be unappealing to some.
Despite claims, the products are not unique compared with other electrolyte powders.
It’s not certified safe for sport, which may be a downside for competitive athletes.
Potential side effects and safety considerations
Some online reviewers note that they have experienced mild nausea or stomach upset. However, there are presently no known side effects of consuming Liquid I.V. electrolyte products.
Still, it’s worth noting that most of the products contain 500 mg of sodium, which is 22% of the DV. Considering most people usually exceed their daily sodium limit, drinking Liquid I.V. may cause you to consume too much sodium, especially if you’re not losing much through sweat (5Trusted Source).
As with any electrolyte powder, it’s essential to follow Liquid I.V.’s package instructions and recommended dosages. You also shouldn’t consume multiple packets per day unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Liquid I.V. products are electrolyte powders that aim to replace lost electrolytes and promote quick rehydration, which is often needed after intense workouts, long-term exposure to hot environments, or periods of sickness when fluids are lost. Liquid I.V.’s products are convenient, easy to use, and come in a variety of tasty flavors. They’re also helpful if you have difficulty drinking enough water and need to rehydrate quickly.
