Some products within the bottled water industry fall under the category of ‘functional beverages’, which are those claiming to have health benefits. Drinks that claim to restore the levels of electrolytes in your body are included in this category. Glacéau Vitamin Water zero calories and zero sugar is one of the most popular brands in this sector.
Vitamin Water Zero is filtered water enriched with minerals, nutrients and natural sweeteners. This beverage is produced by the Coca Cola Company and contains enhanced levels of magnesium, calcium lactates and potassium phosphate. These minerals are called electrolytes, and can help you maintain an optimum hydration level.
Electrolyte enhanced beverages are generally marketed as post-exercise refreshments that restore your fluid balance. In this post we will explain the use of electrolytes in the body and whether Vitamin Water Zero provides enough of them to have an impact on your health. We will also explore other nutrition facts related to this product.
What Is Vitamin Water Zero?
Vitamin Water is basically boosted water. Due to its enhanced flavor, it is a more appealing way to stay hydrated than with plain water.
But it is also high in sugar, with some flavors almost matching the levels present in, for example, a regular Pepsi bottle.
Vitamin Water Zero is a healthier alternative to carbonated soft drinks and processed fruit juices.
It contains the same nutrients as Vitamin Water but with zero sugar and virtually zero calories.
It is sweetened with low-calorie plant-based sweeteners, as opposed to high-calorie refined sugar or artificial ingredients.
It comes in a wide variety of natural flavors:
- XXXX (Acai Blueberry Pomegranate)
- Look (Blueberry Hibiscus)
- Shine (Strawberry Lemonade)
- Ice (Cool Blueberry Lavender)
- Rise (Orange)
- Power-C (Dragonfruit)
- Squeezed (Lemonade)
- Gutsy (Watermelon Peach)
- Revive (Fruit Punch)
- Go-Go (Mixed Berry)
- Reset (Pineapple Coconut)
What Are Electrolytes And Why Do We Need Them?
Electrolytes are essential minerals that regulate muscle contractions, hydrate the body, help balance the pH levels and control nervous system function. The heart, muscles and nerve cells rely on the flow of electrolytes to carry electrical impulses to other cells.
Electrolytes in the body are regulated by the kidneys and several hormones. The most important electrolytes are:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Bicarbonate
- Magnesium
- Chloride
- Phosphate
The amount of electrolytes in the blood fluctuate in relation to the water levels in the body. During exercise, the body loses vital electrolytes through sweat. An electrolyte imbalance, whether it is a higher or lower concentration of certain chemicals, can lead to various health issues and discomfort.
The signs of an electrolyte imbalance include:
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mental confusion
Does Vitamin Water Zero Have electrolytes?
Beverages rich in electrolytes and carbohydrates in the form of sugars will help hydrate faster and stay hydrated for longer. Coconut water, pure watermelon juice and cow’s milk are liquids naturally rich in electrolytes.
Vitamin Water Zero has no sodium, which is the electrolyte most commonly lost during an extended workout routine. It is also not a significant source of calcium, magnesium or potassium to be considered an electrolyte restoring drink.
What Are Other Components In Vitamin Water Zero?
The main ingredient in Vitamin Water Zero is reverse osmosis water. Reverse osmosis is a filtration process that removes impurities such as salt, pesticides, insecticides, arsenic, fluoride and cyanide. It also removes nutrients such as iron, magnesium, manganese and calcium.
Vitamin Water Zero has a significant amount of vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12 and vitamin C, covering a large percentage of the daily recommended values. These water soluble vitamins are also be obtained through a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits and plain water.
One of the sweeteners used in Vitamin Water Zero is erythritol. This sugar alcohol is very low in calories and does not stimulate the release of insulin in the body. It is naturally found in some fruits, and is often produced by fermenting wheat (gluten) or genetically modified corn (GMO). Erythritol is natural, mostly harmless but hard to digest.
Another sugar alcohol found in Vitamin Water Zero is sorbitol, also a genetically modified organism derived from corn syrup.
Vitamin Water Zero also contains stevia leaf extract, a plant-derived sweetener with no calories.
Vitamin Water Zero has no traces of caffeine, fat, protein, iron or vitamin D.
It has around 4 grams of carbohydrates, with minor variations depending on the flavor.
It is not a significant source of fiber.
Is Vitamin Water Zero Good To Fight Dehydration?
While drinks with electrolytes and sugar are absorbed faster than plain water, tap water or bottled water that is not distilled are enough to replenish the lost sodium during regular exercise. Rehydration does occur more rapidly with the help of water, sugar and salt.
While an electrolyte enriched drink would help fight dehydration faster, Vitamin Water Zero does not offer the most significant amounts of minerals to restock the necessary levels in the body. It is also low in carbs, which are necessary to help the body retain fluids. Vitamin Water contributes to your hydration, vitamins and electrolyte balance in a similar measure as plain water.
A large volume of water is enough to replace fluids in the average person.
A diet rich in minerals combined with regular drinking of water will aid in keeping a balanced concentration of electrolytes in the blood.
That said, people who suffer from a rapid loss of fluids due to vigorous exercise or after a period of diarrhea or vomiting, can improve fluid retention by supporting a complex source of nutrients with a specially designed electrolyte beverage.
Is Vitamin Water Zero Sugar Actually Good For You?
Many electrolyte infused liquids incorporate electrolytes to enhance their taste, but the quantities are not substantial enough to have a considerable impact on your health.
Only some brands contain enough electrolytes for hydration and mineral replacement. But these products are usually also loaded with sugar, which does not offer long-term benefits and should be consumed in moderation.
While the amount of minerals in Vitamin Water Zero are not enough to affect your health in a positive way, they also have no significant short term negative effects. They do contain ingredients sourced from genetically engineered (GE) crops, commonly known as GMOs, which may have traces of pesticides and other toxins.
Vitamin Water Zero is a healthier option for those who enjoy sweet beverages but want to reduce their sugar intake.
As a source of nutrients, drinking an organic fresh fruit juice with no added sugar, or a fresh glass of water along with a variety of fruits and vegetables is more beneficial.
They will provide a more complex array of minerals necessary for the correct functioning of the body, including fiber, ‘good’ carbohydrates and a variety of electrolytes.
