What is liquid IV? This product has been on the market for over a decade. It’s one of those products that many people would like to claim it works, but no real evidence exists yet. However, there are some positive reviews from customers who have seen success in using this product.
The “liquid i.v. debunked” is a product that has been around for quite some time now and has been the subject of many reviews. This review will discuss the pros, cons, and whether or not it is worth it to purchase liquid i.v..
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Cons
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What Is Liquid IV and How Does It Work?
Liquid IV is a range of electrolyte powders that are meant to be mixed with water to help with hydration and certain health issues including sleep and energy.
Brandin Cohen, the CEO of Liquid IV, was a former athlete who understood how hazardous many hydration products might be.
He started by researching the science of oral hydration treatment before deciding to create something better.
While Brandin Cohen has no professional medical expertise, Liquid IV has a Medical Director in the shape of Dr. Brad Thomas, an orthopedic physician.
Liquid IV’s Cellular Transport Technology, or CTT, sets it apart from other hydration solutions or drinks.
This is a nutrition and water delivery system meant to improve absorption into the bloodstream by modifying the osmolarity of water to make it flow quicker into the bloodstream.
Hydration, sleep, energy, and immunity are some of the tastes and varieties of liquid IV. Each packet includes the CTT as well as additives that have been added to improve the product for a particular health benefit.
The firm supports a variety of humanitarian causes and has provided over 500,000 servings of their products to help people in poor nations and the United States combat dehydration.
Is It Really Effective?
Oral rehydration treatment (ORT) has been widely investigated and utilized for over 40 years, first supported by the World Health Organization as a technique to aid children with diarrhea and dehydration.
Traditional ORT drinks include sodium chloride, glucose, and potassium to generate a liquid with a highly particular osmolarity, allowing the liquid to enter the body more quickly.
The objective is to increase hydration and electrolyte replenishment without causing any imbalances. Many children in underdeveloped nations have benefited from this form of treatment to recover from diseases like cholera and dysentery.
This methodology was used to Liquid IV’s product, which was renamed for a health-conscious customer and athlete.
The claim is that their product’s patented CTT boosts water’s hydration potential by 2–3 times.
I couldn’t locate any studies to back up the claim that ORT increases hydration by 2–3 times, but there is plenty of evidence that it can swiftly and safely treat dehydration.
Liquid IV’s whole product range is made up of high-quality items that are backed up by research. While the salt and sugar content may be a little excessive for certain individuals, the nutritional profile is exactly what you’d anticipate and need for good ORT.
While ORT has been studied and used to treat severe dehydration and malnutrition, there has been little study on the advantages of ORT in healthy people.
While athletes must replace sodium, water, and other electrolytes to avoid dehydration during physical exercise, the quantity of sodium, water, and other electrolytes that must be supplied varies depending on the sport, the length of time spent exercising, and the intensity.
There is no universally accepted hydration beverage advice for athletes.
Liquid IV also highlights the need of restoring electrolytes to prevent dehydration, however you may easily avoid dehydration by just drinking water.
Furthermore, most persons who exercise for an hour or less do not need electrolyte replacement.
A rehydration solution is unlikely to be used on a daily basis. However, Liquid IV is an excellent choice for staying hydrated on a hot day or rehydrating after a few too many beverages.
Special Promotion
Liquid IV is available for purchase.
Liquid IV keeps you hydrated by using the well-studied oral rehydration approach known as Cellular Transport Technology (CTT).
Get a 20% discount on your first order.
Shipping is completely free.
Guaranteed money back
Liquid IV is a product line of Liquid IV.
Liquid IV sells four different types of liquids. Each one comes in a variety of tastes.
Multiplier for Hydration
The Multiplier for Hydration is Liquid IVs primary product. It is a stick of powder that is added to 16 ounces of water.
Lemon-lime, guava, strawberry, and apple pie are just a few of the varieties available.
There are 45 calories in each stick. The CTT (glucose, sodium, potassium), water-soluble B-vitamins, and vitamin C are among the components.
Mined salt provides the sodium. Potassium citrate is the form in which the potassium is found. The glucose is made from non-GMO pure cane sugar.
Multiplier for Hydration is high in sugar and sodium, with 11 g of sugar per serving and 500 mg of sodium.
This amounts to 22% of the recommended daily salt intake. However, sugar and salt are two of the product’s three active constituents and the cause for its hydrating benefits.
I personally use the Multiplier for Hydration. A few years ago, drinking a packet before and after, helped me emerge minimally scathed from a Las Vegas pool party in 100+ degree weather. I have been using it from time to time ever since.
It comes in handy on hot days or after alcoholic festivities. After drinking it, I notice that it instantly rehydrates me.
The “electrolyte” taste, which is comparable to other electrolyte-enhanced drinks, isn’t my favorite, but it does the job.
I’ve tried both the strawberry and the lemon-lime tastes, and I’m not sure which I prefer.
Multiplier of Energy
The Liquid IV Multiplier of Energy contains the CTT with the addition of matcha, guayusa, and ginger. The exact amount of these ingredients is not listed.
Caffeine-rich teas such as matcha and guayusa are available. These have around 100 mg of caffeine in them, which is about the same as a cup of coffee.
Antioxidants are included in matcha, guayusa, and ginger, which is an extra advantage to this product. Antioxidants aid in the neutralization of free radical damage.
Summary:
Multiplier of Energy is a great substitute for coffee, although it does contain some sugar and sodium. But it will help you be more hydrated and give you a caffeine-based energy boost.
Multiplier for Sleep
The Liquid IV Multiplier for Sleep contains the CTT, as well as L-theanine, melatonin, and valerian root extract.
Tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that aids in relaxing. There’s some evidence that L-theanine may help you sleep better.
There is no established optimal dosage for L-theanine; the Multiplier for Sleep contains 50 mg. Valerian root is an herb that may help reduce anxiety and support quality sleep.
The optimal dosage of valerian root to promote sleep is 300–600 mg. However, the Multiplier for Sleep contains 175 mg, less than the ideal dose.
Melatonin, sometimes known as the “sleep hormone,” is a hormone that assists humans in falling asleep. It has been shown that taking melatonin as a supplement before bed will help you fall and remain asleep.
The optimal dosage of melatonin is anywhere from 0.5–10 mg per day. Multiplier for Sleep contains 3 mg, which is a fairly standard dose found in dietary supplements.
Summary:
Multiplier for Sleep contains evidence-based ingredients that can help improve sleep, but some are in smaller dosages than are recommended.
Multiplier for Hydration + Immune Support
CTT, vitamin C, zinc, and an unique component called Wellmune are all included in the Immune Support formula.
Vitamin C is required for immune system function. It aids in the formation of white blood cells, the battle against free radicals, and may even aid in the prevention of the common cold.
The Immune Support product provides 504 mg of Vitamin C, which is more than the RDA but not quite at the maximum limit of this vitamin.
Zinc is a mineral that is necessary for good health and has a role in immunological function. The zinc content of the Immune Support is 10.4 mg, which is 90 percent of the RDA for males but more than the RDA for women.
Wellmune is a unique component that includes beta-glucans, a kind of sugar that has been shown to help the immune system.
The amount of Wellmune in the product is unknown. The optimal beta-glucan dose has yet to be identified.
Summary
Immunological Support is a supplement that contains nutrients that are essential for immune function.
Conclusion on Benefits Claimed
Based on the existing studies, the following is our summary of the available evidence regarding the stated advantages of Liquid IV:
| 2–3 times more hydration than just drinking water | Evidence of Moderate Strength |
| There are no GMOs or artificial additives in this product. | Evidence with a Gold Star |
| Sports drinks include three times the amount of electrolytes. | Evidence with a Gold Star |
Oral rehydration treatment has a lot of data, but I couldn’t find anything to back up “2–3x greater hydration.”
It’s non-GMO, has no artificial ingredients, and has more sodium and potassium than other sports beverages.
Safety, Dosage, and Side Effects
1 packet combined in 16 ounces of water is the dose for all Liquid IV products. Drink after mixing the package and allowing it to dissolve.
Because it has a tendency to separate over time, it’s better to put it in a container that you can shake as required.
The main safety concern for the Multiplier for Hydration is the sodium and sugar content. Therefore, this product should be used with caution by people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
For most individuals, it offers around a quarter of their daily salt requirements. I wouldn’t advocate eating more than one of these packets each day since many of us already consume too much salt.
The Multiplier of Energy contains 100 mg of caffeine. The maximum safe dose is 400 mg/day. Therefore, if you are going to drink this as a source of energy, you have to consider it in light of other caffeine you are consuming.
Caffeine at high dosages may induce irregular pulse, trouble breathing, and cardiac damage.
For the Multiplier for Sleep, there are also some side effects to be considered. Large doses of L-theanine can cause nausea, headaches, and irritability. These side effects are seen in dosages far beyond what is in this product.
Valerian root has just a few side effects. It may induce headaches, stomach problems, dizziness, excessive tiredness, or restlessness with high dosages of more over 900 mg.
Melatonin is regarded harmless, however it might cause headaches, dizziness, and tiredness, much as valerian root. On the long-term usage of melatonin, there is little information.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is regarded safe in the Immune Support product. Doses more than 2000 mg, on the other hand, may raise the risk of kidney stones, nausea, and other digestive issues.
While zinc is a necessary element, it might interfere with the absorption of other minerals if taken consistently. As a result, I wouldn’t recommend using this product every day, but rather just when you need a boost in your immune system.
Beta-glucans are generally regarded safe, however there is currently minimal research on their possible negative effects.
I would suggest discussing with your doctor before using any nutritional supplement, especially the Liquid IV packets with specialist components.
Where to Buy and How Much
The price of Liquid IV varies based on where you get it and how often you use it. Although they sell the largest selection of items, it seems that ordering straight from the brand’s website is the most costly.
When buying from the Liquid IV website, you may bundle various goods as well as subscribe and save, which can help you save money:
- For a 16-count of Multiplier for Hydration, the cost is $24.47 ($1.53/stick).
- If you buy the 96-count pack, the price per stick drops to $1.25.
- Subscriptions reduce the price per stick down to $1.25.
Both Walmart and Costco have the Multiplier for Hydration for cheaper at $.94/stick or $.73/stick, respectively.
Costco is also less expensive for the Multiplier of Energy at $29.99 for a 24 pack versus $46.99 for a 28 pack on the Liquid IV website.
At Costco, the Immune product is similarly cheaper, costing $21.99 for 24 packets.
The Multiplier for Sleep is the most expensive of the four products. The cost on the brand’s website is $23.99 for 10 sticks or ($2.40/stick). Unfortunately, I was unable to locate the Sleep product at other retailers.
Liquid IV is a tad pricey for a beverage, in my opinion. In most cases, plain water is just as hydrating. For this reason, I use the product rarely.
How Liquid IV Measures Up to the Competition
There are a plethora of alternative electrolyte and hydration supplements available.
Drip Drop, a rival of Liquid IV, incorporates ORT in its products as well. However, at almost $2 per stick, their packets are significantly more costly and include more sugar and salt.
Drip Drop sells packets that can be dissolved in hot water, but not health-related items like Liquid IV.
Athletes may choose from a number of Nuun hydration and electrolyte solutions. They offer a comparable packet-based product containing electrolytes and vitamins, but it costs more than $2 each packet.
Nuun, like Liquid IV, offers a selection of energy and immune supplements.
Liquid IV may also be compared to other electrolyte drinks like Gatorade or Powerade. These have a greater calorie and sugar content while having a lower salt content.
These forms of beverages are far less costly. Gatorade comes in a 12-pack for around $6 at Walmart.
Liquid IV seems to be equivalent to and somewhat less priced than several other hydration solutions I examined, particularly when bought at Costco or Walmart.
If you’re searching for a hydration solution after a really sweaty exercise or a night of drinking a few drinks, Liquid IV is a terrific option.
Liquid IV Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Liquid IV and how does it work?
Liquid IV is a powdered supplement that you mix with water to help you stay hydrated. It employs Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), which is based on the oral rehydration treatment formula, a well-studied method of rehydrating people who have experienced severe dehydration. To increase the hydration capacity of water, it employs a certain ratio of glucose (sugar), salt, potassium, B-vitamins, and vitamin C.
- What’s in Liquid IV, exactly?
Liquid IV has a precise sodium, glucose, and potassium ratio, as well as B vitamins and vitamin C. It has three times the electrolytes of regular sports drinks while containing half the sugar and calories.
- What is the best way to utilize Liquid IV?
Simply dissolve 1 packet in 16 ounces of cold water, shake, and consume.
- When is the most effective time to take Liquid IV?
While Liquid IV may be used at any time, it is especially beneficial while exercising or working outside in the heat. It’s also excellent for rehydrating after an evening of indulging in a few alcoholic drinks.
- What is the flavor of Liquid IV?
The flavor is refreshing and lemonade-like. Because Liquid IV is available in a number of flavors, the taste notes are similar to the marketed flavor. Overall, it’s incredibly simple to drink and doesn’t need any kind of acquired taste.
- Is Liquid IV sodium-rich?
Yes, one package contains 500 mg of sodium, which is equivalent to 22% of the Daily Value. However, sodium is an important electrolyte for oral rehydration treatment. So, if you’re managing your salt consumption, Liquid IV’s sodium content can be worth considering.
- Is there a lot of sugar in Liquid IV?
The sugar content of Liquid IV is 11 grams per packet, which is considered excessive. One of the primary components of the Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) formula is glucose (sugar). This sugar is required to aid in the rapid and effective absorption of water and electrolytes into the small intestine. However, if you have diabetes, it may raise your blood sugar.
- Is Liquid IV an energizing beverage?
Caffeine is not included in the original Liquid IV recipe. They do, however, offer an Energy Liquid IV that includes 100 mg of caffeine, which is the equivalent of 1–2 cups of coffee.
- How many Liquid IV packets are allowed per day?
While there is no set restriction on how many Liquid IV packets you may consume in a day, you should keep in mind the salt level of the product. The daily sodium allowance is 2,300 mg. Most Americans consume much more than 3,400 mg per day than is recommended. Including many Liquid IV packets in your daily routine will drastically boost your salt intake and potentially your blood pressure. Liquid IV should be limited to 1–2 packets each day, in my opinion.
- Is it possible to avoid a hangover using Liquid IV?
No, the only strategy to entirely avoid a hangover is to limit your alcohol consumption. However, if you are dehydrated from drinking alcohol, ingesting a Liquid IV package might help you rehydrate and feel better sooner.
- Is Liquid IV suitable for all people?
Because of the salt and sugar content, Liquid IV should be used with caution by those with diabetes or high blood pressure. Before using any dietary supplements, always with your doctor.
- Liquid IV or Gatorade: which is better?
When compared to Gatorade, Liquid IV has less sugar and calories but more electrolytes. However, it is more costly than Gatorade. In most instances, though, I would choose Liquid IV over Gatorade.
- Is it preferable to drink Liquid IV or Nuun?
Nuun’s products are extremely similar to Liquid IV’s, however the electrolyte, glucose, and sodium ratios may change somewhat. Additionally, Nuun products are significantly more costly. I’ve tried both Nuun and Liquid IV, and I think Liquid IV tastes better.
- Is Liquid IV effective for weight loss?
No, Liquid IV will not assist you in losing weight. Drinking more water may make you feel fuller, causing you to eat less, but there is no evidence that it can help you lose weight.
- If I’m unwell, should I consume Liquid IV?
If you have a stomach virus or need to keep hydrated due to sickness, you may drink Liquid IV. Always consult with your doctor to determine what is best for you.
Final Thoughts
Based on over 40 years of study on oral rehydration treatment, Liquid IV is a good option for hydration.
While I couldn’t discover any evidence that it is 2–3 times more hydrating than water, I believe it will help you rehydrate or keep hydrated properly.
The Liquid IV is a product line of Liquid IV. is also based on solid evidence to support the claims of helping sleep, energy, and immunity.
In general, Liquid IV is a safe option for most patients who need to keep hydrated or rehydrate.
The sugar and salt levels are the primary drawbacks. If you have any concerns, I suggest seeing your doctor before using Liquid IV.
A Message from Our RD
For males, the RDA for water is 15 cups (120 ounces) per day, while for women, it is 11 cups (88 ounces).
A mix of liquids and food is used to achieve this purpose. Fluid requirements vary according on age, weight, exercise intensity, and temperature.
Most individuals only drink approximately 39 ounces each day, according to the CDC. As a result, the majority of us do not drink enough water.
If you believe you’re dehydrated, the first thing you should do is drink more water and eat more water-rich fruits and vegetables.
For most individuals, eight 8-ounce glasses and five servings of fruits and vegetables is a good place to start. These two behaviors will simply enough to satisfy your hydration requirements.
If you’re dehydrated, consider including an electrolyte drink like Liquid IV into your daily regimen. However, in most cases, plain water is sufficient and more cost-effective.
Liquid IV is a good option.
The “is liquid i.v. good for weight loss” is a question that has been asked by many people over the years. The answer to this question is yes and no, it depends on what you are looking for in your product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Liquid IV bad for you?
A: Liquid IV is bad for your health.
Is it bad to drink Liquid IV everyday?
A: Liquid IV is what I call a drug that people take in order to feel invigorated and full of energy. This type of substance does have some side effects, so its important for you to talk with your doctor about the best possible dosage for you to start off on.
Is Liquid IV bad for your liver?
A: There is little evidence that Liquid IV has any bad effects on the liver, but this should not be taken as an endorsement of it. The most important thing you can do for your liver is to drink a lot of water and take some time off from drinking alcohol when necessary. Just like with anything else in life, moderation goes a long way here.
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