Written by Lauren Young and Kathy Feng
Energy, Focus, Revive: these are just some of the messages that Vitaminwater promotes to its consumers. However, does this product actually achieve these objectives? Looking closer at the ingredients label could shed some light on the truth. Most flavors of Vitaminwater contain vitamins C, B3, D6, D12, and B5. For instance, Power C, Formula 50, and Defense–specific Vitaminwater products–contain over 100% of the daily recommended vitamin C intake [1].
Vitaminwater maintains a reputation of being a healthy beverage by claiming it has vitamin-fortified waters. In actuality, it is a brand owned by CocaCola and contains 31 grams of sugar. According to the American Heart Association, women should have only 25 grams of added sugar per day, while men are allotted 36 [2]. This influx of sugar can increase the risk of diabetes, obesity and generally boost mortality rates. In addition, a research study has compelling evidence that supplemented antioxidants, such as Vitamin A and E, can increase mortality rates. In this study, 232,606 participants were studied in 68 randomized trials [3]. The results led to those treated with carotene, Vitamin A, and E to have higher mortality rates while the treatment of patients with Vitamin C and selenium need further studies to confirm its effect.
Another reason for increasing concern involving Vitaminwater is that it may contain as much fructose as in one can of CocaCola [4]. Vitaminwater is sweetened with crystalline fructose, which has approximately double the amount of fructose when compared with high fructose corn syrup. Since fructose is not regulated by insulin, the body does not feel satisfaction from consuming the drink alone and continues to crave for more sugar, leading again to the problem of diabetes [5]. Overall, this sweetener only serves for taste and has no benefits in providing energy or satisfaction.
Luckily for Vitaminwater fanatics, there is an alternative, which is the Vitaminwater Zero line. Compared to the regular Vitaminwater, it has no calories, contains less than 1 gram of sugar, has no sodium, and has four grams of carbohydrates compared to the 31 grams of the regular. There are good aspects of Vitaminwater, such as natural coloring of the drink through fruit and vegetable juices, no fats, and actually containing the vitamins it promotes, but the cons still outweigh the pros.
To practice a healthy lifestyle, there are other natural ways to obtain vitamins like eating fruits or squeezing a bit of citrus juice into water for flavor [6]. Eating an orange can give almost the same benefits without the fructose or erythritol. On average, oranges contain about 51 grams of vitamin C and only nine grams of natural sugar. The amount of vitamin C in it is almost similar to the beverage, without the inclusion of harmful sugars.
Many are aware that water is the best source of hydration, but opt for Vitaminwater due to the convenience factor and sugary flavor. In the long run, these choices may have devastating effects on lifespans and overall health, so choose the fruit and drink regular water because the true effects of synthetic vitamins in our body is still unknown. Rather than consuming all the sugars that assist the vitamins, choose ultimately healthier alternatives that can be taken without all the risks.
References:
1. Vitaminwater Nutrition Facts
2. American Heart Association. 2016. Added Sugars. Healthy Living.
3. Domenico Fusco. 2007. Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation on the Aging Process.
4. Adda Bjjarnadottir. 2015. 5 Reasons Why Vitaminwater is Bad Idea.
5. Elena Conis. 2009. Is crystalline fructose a better choice of sweetener? Nutrition Lab.
6. Kari Hartel. Are Vitaminwaters Healthy or Harmful? Nutrition.