Vitaminwater, a Coca-Cola Company, is heavily advertised as healthy with added vitamins and minerals. But the question is, does vitamin water have electrolytes?
Despite having an electrolyte replenisher label, Vitamin water does not have enough electrolytes to qualify as one. It also contains a lot of added sugar, notably fructose, which, when consumed in excess, has been related to several health issues.
Electrolyte replenishers are beverages that replenish the fluids and electrolytes (sodium, calcium, and potassium) lost through sweat, urination, and daily activities.
Let’s get into the details of the truth behind the famous drink.
Vitaminwater Ingredients: Refreshing Or Sugary Drink?
There is contention surrounding the efficacy of Vitaminwater’s ingredients. A nonprofit public interest group has even filed a lawsuit against Coca-Cola because the company’s Vitaminwater products include unfounded health claims.
Here’s the complete breakup of its key contents for your easy understanding:
| Ingredients | Quantity | Whether it’s healthy | Why or not? | What it reveals about Vitamin Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystalline fructose, Sucrose, and Erythritol [Sugar] | 33g/bottle (approx) | No | Excess intake may cause high blood sugar (metabolic disorders) | Vitamin water is just as bad for healthy living as Coke |
| Reverse Osmosis Water | Main ingredient | Partially yes | RO water without minerals isn’t beneficial for health | Vitamin Water shouldn’t be tagged as a health drink |
| Vitamins C, E, B3, B5, B6, B12 | 50–120% of the reference daily intake [Very small amounts] | Neutral | The body doesn’t store vitamins B and C. They release them via urine. | Vitamin water has those vitamins which you already have in your existing diet. |
| Electrolytes | Negligible amount | Yes, but the quantity is too less. | As a health replenisher, it should have more electrolytes. | It doesn’t stand true to its marketing promise |
| Erythritol [Artificial Sweetener] | 8.25 tsp | No | Contributes to weight gain by increasing sugar cravings and calories. | Vitamin water is not to be consumed daily or frequently. |
Also Read: Florida Tap Water Tested [Can You Safely Consume It?]
Sugar
Vitaminwater uses crystalline fructose to replace sucrose. Modified sugar in Vitaminwater is empty of any nutrients or vitamins that are good for our health. Strong correlations exist between Vitaminwater and other sugar-sweetened beverages (like Coke) that lead to weight gain and obesity.
Excessive sugar consumption can result in several health problems, including diabetes and heart disease.
Vitamin Water Electrolytes
Sodium, potassium, and magnesium are the three key electrolytes you need to pay attention (and money) to. Unfortunately, vitamin water is not a substantial source of magnesium, has a meager 140 mg of potassium, and has no sodium.
Concluding, its electrolyte concentrations are far too low to use.
Also Read: Does RO Water Have Electrolytes?
Vitamins
Vit C (120% DV), B6 (80% DV), B – complex (80% DV), and Vit E (20% DV) are among the nutrients found in a bottle of Vitamin Water Zero Rise. But, unfortunately, the majority of the micronutrients present in Vitaminwater are useless, here’s why:
But, unfortunately, the majority of the micronutrients present in Vitaminwater are useless, here’s why:
Water-soluble vitamins B and C are practically never deficient in the typical person’s diet. This is because your body excretes them through urine rather than storing them. Therefore, drinking sugary beverages to obtain these nutrients is counterintuitive.
If you need an extra dose of vitamins, we advise you to get multivitamin tablets; otherwise, opt for a balanced diet.
Also Read: 5 Best Ways To Remineralize Reverse Osmosis Water [Recommended By Experts]
Reverse Osmosis Water
Vitaminwater’s main ingredient is reverse osmosis water. Therefore, impurities such as salt, insecticides, arsenic, fluoride, and cyanide are absent.
But the fun fact is that the drink lacks essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron.
Why is it called a “health drink,” then?
Erythritol (Artificial Sweetener)
Vitamin Water Zero uses erythritol and other non-nutritive sweeteners. Unfortunately, manufactured products like these may also increase your appetite by interfering with your digestive system(in an unhealthy way). If you are diagnosed with obesity, you should never consume Vitaminwater.
Other Ingredients?
Additionally, vitamin water contains:
Each flavor contains a slight variation of 4 grams of carbohydrates.
However, the drink doesn’t contain caffeine (thank god ?)
Here’s the key takeaway:
Vitamin Water Zero is filtered water enhanced with minerals, nutrients, and natural sweeteners. Despite the aggressive marketing, Vitaminwater is nothing more than a health fad. It is best to obtain nutrients from wholesome foods and natural fruit juices rather than from a beverage with artificial vitamins and sugar.
Also Read: What I Found By Testing Phoenix Tap Water
Does Vitamin Water Hydrate You? Shocking Answer
Coca-Cola’s vitamin water is a great substitute for sugary sodas, carbonated soft drinks, and concentrated fruit juices when you’re craving a somewhat sweet, insatiable desire for a beverage.
However, it does not provide the greatest concentrations of minerals to replenish the body’s essential levels. Many companies, including Vitaminwater, advertise their sweetened beverages as water substitutes. While it may be true that drinking these liquids would help you rehydrate faster, the reality is that they also mess with your metabolism and your body’s natural capacity to store fluids.
Therefore, the simple answer to our question, “Can we battle dehydration using Vitaminwater?” is No. The drink contains an artificial sweetener that can encourage sugar cravings and is linked to weight gain, so Vitamin Water Zero isn’t preferable to water! You read it right; the best dehydration remedy is water!
You can additionally consume a range of fruits and vegetables combined with organic fresh fruit juice without added sugar as a source of nutrients.
Drinking a lot of vitamin-flavored, sweetened water in place of water might dehydrate you faster, which increases your risk of metabolic abnormalities (as I said earlier) that can cause
The best option continues to be to drink water because adding vitamins can cause you to consume too much of them, especially if your diet already includes enough.
Also Read: How To Train Yourself To Pee Less Often [Recommended By Experts]
Here’s The Takeaway: Is Vitaminwater Healthy?
The sugar content of Vitaminwater makes it more soda than water and, therefore, is unhealthy if consumed frequently. There is no sodium in Vitamin Water Zero.
Moreover, it does not contain enough calcium, magnesium, or potassium to qualify as an electrolyte-restoring beverage.
Contrary to popular belief, vitamin water has fewer electrolytes than water. It is not intended to replace the everyday vitamin supplements you take.
But don’t take my word; know from Dezi Abeyta, R.D.N., a Men’s Health expert who states that:
Vitamin water advertises itself as a delicious beverage packed with antioxidants. But don’t let it deceive you—Abeyta insists that whole foods are always the finest.
He advises getting some fruit and sprinkling salt on it as a favor.
Let’s discuss Powerade and Gatorade, the Vitaminwater alternatives that claim to be “health drinks,” too.
Here’s what you need to know about them: Gatorade is an electrolyte drink containing small amounts of vital vitamins and minerals like sodium and potassium. There are available in different flavors; because you might have guessed it already, the main USP of these drinks is their taste rather than nutritional value.
Similar to Gatorade, excessive consumption of Powerade, which has a high sodium content, can have negative health effects like
In short, it does more harm than you can imagine. Excess consumption can make you lose all of your energy, and you risk getting depressed and having a compromised immunity.
Here’s the ultimate truth:
Your electrolytes can be balanced using various natural methods like consuming an electrolyte-rich diet heavy in spinach, Kale, avocados, and broccoli. These aid in hydration and assist the body in generating energy.
Also Read: 3 Practical Ways To Reduce TDS From Water [It's Not Just RO!]
Does Vitamin Water Have Electrolytes in It FAQs
What Is Vitaminwater Zero, exactly?
VitaminWater Zero is marketed as mineral-enriched filtered water with natural sweeteners and minerals manufactured by the Coca-Cola company. This beverage is claimed to have high potassium phosphate, magnesium, and calcium lactate levels.
It is more enticing to stay hydrated with vitaminwater than plain water because of its enhanced flavor. But you will not fall into their marketing stunt, will you?
Why was Coca-Cola banned from selling Vitaminwater?
Vitamin Water Zero was marketed as mineral-enriched filtered water with natural replenishers. Even after accepting complaints that the product contained 23g of sugar, Coca-Cola claimed its Vitaminwater brand was “nutritious.”
Three complaints were filed that the drink’s high sugar content made the nutritional claim false. The Advertising Standards Authority declared the word “nutritious” misleading and prohibited the advertisement.
What happens when your body is low on electrolytes?
Electrolytes are vital minerals that regulate nervous system exercise, hydrate the body, regulate muscle contractions, and help maintain pH balance.
Dizziness, cramps in the muscles, and stress are just a few of the health problems and discomfort that can result from an electrolyte imbalance, regardless of whether there is a higher or lower concentration of particular chemicals.
What is the best drink with electrolytes?
Coconut water, or coconut juice, is a naturally low-sugar beverage containing several electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Therefore, it is considered one of the best drinks to get sufficient electrolytes.
What is the fastest way to replenish electrolytes?
Try coconut water for a rapid electrolyte and energy boost during or after a workout.
Additionally, milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium and electrolytes.
One cup of yogurt has roughly 450 mg of calcium, compared to about 300 mg in one cup of milk. Both are fantastic post-workout diets to rehydrate and increase protein intake!
A banana contains roughly 422 mg of potassium, one of the best sources of potassium. Potassium aids in blood pressure and muscular control.
Naina has a profound understanding of how water quality affects our overall well-being. Her expertise is a guiding light for those seeking to live a healthy life. Besides raising awareness, her write-ups provide practical advice on identifying and mitigating water-related issues.
