Is Liquid IV Gluten-free and Safe for Celiac Disease?

Many brands are trying to compete with Gatorade, like Liquid I.V. They say their special gluten free electrolyte drinks get into your body quicker than just water. Liquid I.V. also claims to offer extra benefits such as making you look younger, helping you think better, giving you more energy, and helping you burn calories. But some people aren’t sure if Liquid I.V. is really dairy or gluten free, which has caused disagreements.

Does Liquid IV contain gluten?

Liquid I.V. is a company owned by Unilever. They say their product doesn’t have GMOs, gluten, soy, or dairy, according to the label. But some people who tested the drink at home with devices like EZ Gluten and Nima Sensor found gluten traces in flavors like Apple Pie, Lemon Ginger, Tangerine, Strawberry, and Pina Colada. This caused discussions online. Groups like Gluten Free Watchdog checked the product too, but they got different results, leading to confusion.

People with gluten-related disorders, such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, can have serious issues if they eat even a little bit of gluten, which is a protein found in wheat. For people with celiac disease, which is the most serious disorder, it can really mess up their digestive system, even damaging it, and cause skin and mood problems.

Since 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) has had rules for companies that want to put “gluten-free” or similar labels on their products. According to these rules, foods must have less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the smallest amount that can be found in a test. Companies don’t have to test their products for gluten before selling them, but if the F.D.A. tests them and finds they have too much gluten, they can recall those products.

Gluten Free Watchdog’s Role

Even though people have raised concerns, Liquid I.V. still says on its website that they test every batch of their product for gluten to make sure it meets the FDA’s rules for being gluten-free. They also say that home testing kits might not always give accurate results for Liquid I.V. This is something Gluten Free Watchdog also agrees with.

Gluten Free Watchdog is a website that checks if foods labeled “gluten-free” really are. They say they share their test results with subscribers, whether they find gluten or not. After people complained about Liquid I.V., Gluten Free Watchdog tested it at a lab called Bia Diagnostics, LLC. They didn’t find any gluten in the samples. They also agree with Liquid I.V. that home testing kits might give wrong results if you test more than the recommended amount of the product.

What’s the verdict? Is Liquid IV gluten free?

The information is still mixed up, so people with serious gluten issues should talk to their doctor before drinking sports drinks with electrolytes. Usually, just drinking water is good enough, even though technically, milk hydrates you a bit better. It’s smart to avoid foods that make you feel sick, so it’s best to play it safe.

It’s super important to keep our bodies hydrated because it helps get rid of waste and toxins, keeps our body temperature steady, helps our joints move smoothly, and protects our tissues. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids every day from food and drinks, while women should aim for about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters). People with gluten-related disorders (GRD) are more likely to get dehydrated when they’re having symptoms like poor nutrient absorption in the intestines or frequent diarrhea. Ironically, that’s when they really need electrolyte drinks to help.

Lots of people grab sports drinks for different reasons—maybe they’re hungover, they like the sweet taste, or they just finished exercising. However, dietitians say that if you’re healthy, regular tap water is usually all you need to stay hydrated. The only time you might need sports drinks is if you’ve been working out hard for more than 75 minutes or it’s really hot outside. If you’re breastfeeding or sick with symptoms like fever, vomiting, or infections, you might need more fluids, but usually, plain water is good enough.

Precaution is Advised When Drinking Liquid IV for Those with Celiac Disease & Other Gluten Disorders

To ensure your hydration needs are met and to avoid potential health risks, always double-check product labels and consult with healthcare professionals, especially if you have gluten-related disorders. Remember, staying informed and making wise choices about what you consume is essential for your overall well-being.