Liquid IV Review 2024

As summer approaches, the lure of the outdoors and sunshine could be wreaking havoc with your hydration. Whether you're a runner, swimmer or gardener, dehydration is a common issue that impacts about 75% of Americans at any point throughout their day. While we know the importance, it can feel like quite the task to drink the recommended 8-10 glasses of water each day. Still, it’s important to understand why being hydrated is necessary for your body and the different ways you can achieve proper hydration.

Liquid IV can keep you hydrated with an easily accessible hydration packet that is mixed with water. Let's take a closer look at Liquid IV—specifically, how it works, if it's worth the hype and how it compares to competing products on the market.

Answers to those questions will help determine if Liquid IV is right for you. As always, consult with your healthcare provider before consuming new products.

What is Liquid IV, How Does it Work & What Are the Benefits?

Liquid IV is a product that claims to hydrate you quicker (as opposed to drinking water alone) by utilizing vitamins and minerals to most effectively transport fluid throughout the body.

More specifically, Liquid IV uses something the brand calls Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), which they claim delivers necessary nutrients quickly into the bloodstream. CTT contains sodium, glucose and potassium that play a role in getting the nutrients into the bloodstream. It works like this:

● When combined with sugar, sodium speeds up the absorption of water and solute into the bloodstream.

● Glucose is used for function and not taste. When glucose is combined with salt, it speeds up the absorption of water and solute into the bloodstream.

● Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain the proper balance of fluid while carrying nutrients in the bloodstream.

Liquid IV Pros and Cons

Before introducing a new liquid hydration product into your diet and lifestyle, it’s always important to weigh the pros and cons—then determine if the former outweighs the latter. We’ve broken down both below.

Liquid IV Pros:

● It comes in many flavors and customizable packets.

● Convenient to use. Simply mix with water.

● The packets contain more essential vitamins, nutrients and electrolytes than most sports drinks.

● This is also a good option for intense workouts that dehydrate the body and deplete electrolytes.

Liquid IV Cons:

● Liquid IV is more expensive than water, averaging $1.53 per packet if bought in a 16-pack bundle. The price decreases as you buy larger bundles, but buying in bulk may not work based on your budget.

● The taste of the Liquid IV isn’t for everyone. Some consumers have reported that they don't like the flavor options available.

● A lot of people ask if Liquid IV has caffeine. The Energy Multiplier contains about 100 mg of caffeine, so if you have caffeine sensitivities, the energy version of Liquid IV may not be for you.

● The product doesn’t ship internationally; it only ships within the United States.

Who Should Use Liquid IV?

Liquid IV doesn't clearly state who should use the product. Currently, there are no reviews or concerns about limiting certain populations or people. However, it is important to note that a few consumers report some digestive issues and vomiting.

If you find yourself sensitive to certain ingredients, you may want to test them out before using the whole packet. Check out the label before purchasing to ensure you don't have a known allergy to any ingredients. You should also speak with your health provider before trying new products.

Where to Buy Liquid IV

Liquid IV is sold by most major retailers as well as pharmacies and grocery stores. If you are looking for a particular Liquid IV product-for instance, the Sleep Multiplier or larger hydration packs-you can use the search functionality at liquid-iv.com.

Is Liquid IV Worth It?

Our verdict is: If you aren't properly hydrated, Liquid IV is an excellent way to boost your body, especially during illness or dehydration. That said, while Liquid IV is helpful, it should not replace your usual water intake.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Liquid IV

Before using any version of Liquid IV, make sure you aren't sensitive to specific ingredients. For example, according to Mayo Clinic, not everyone reacts well to melatonin, which is used in the Liquid IV Sleep Multiplier. While it is a natural sleep aid, it may not be right for everyone. Before going all in and buying a large batch of Liquid IV, try one of the hydration sticks to make sure your body reacts well to it.

Ingredients

Since there are several Liquid IV options, each one will have a different set of ingredients based on its purpose and flavor. We've outlined some of the main ingredients below and why they are used in the product.

1. Stevia leaf extract: Organic sweetener to help make the product more palatable. Plus, it has zero calories.

2. Silicon dioxide: Natural material used as a powder to make the drink smoother.

3. Dipotassium phosphate: Water-soluble electrolyte that also contains potassium.

4. Citric acid: Used to stabilize the flavor and is non-artificial. Liquid IV gets it from natural resources like potatoes or cassava roots.

5. Vitamins B3, B6 and B12: B3 is known for aiding cholesterol levels, B6 benefits the nervous system and metabolism and B12 helps our body manage red blood cells.

6. Vitamin C: Focuses on restoring body tissue and boosting the immune system.

7. Potassium citrate: Helps the CTT system function and is responsible for carrying the hydration throughout the blood. It can also help muscle cramping and bone health.

8. Sodium citrate: Salt that is within the citric acid.

9. Mined salt: Sodium is another critical factor of CTT. Added to the natural sugars in Liquid IV, it aids the absorption of fluids. That's why Liquid IV tastes salty to some people.

10. Dextrose: Natural sugar found in the body; it's easily absorbed and helps with hydration.

11. Pure cane sugar: Non-GMO sugar source accelerates water absorption into the bloodstream while making it tasty.

12. Natural flavors: Extracted from natural sources like vegetables and fruits, this enhances the flavor of your Liquid IV hydration packets.

Note that Liquid IV is also gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free and dairy-free for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Ingredients in each type of Liquid IV product have a purpose. For instance, the Sleep Multiplier has melatonin, L-Theanine and valerian roots, known as natural sleep-aids. The Hydration Multiplier + Immune Boost has the same ingredients as the Hydration Multiplier but adds some vitamins and minerals including zinc, Vitamin C and Wellmune to boost the immune system. The Energy Multiplier includes matcha, ginger and guayusa (a caffeinated tea).