Are Body Armor Sports Drinks Healthy? Unbiased Report
From fitness enthusiasts to professional athletes, consumers are trying to determine which sports drinks are the healthiest option for rehydrating and replenishing nutrients.
Sports drinks such as BodyArmor and Gatorade are filled with potassium-packed electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that help the body recover after exercising.
However, does that mean a Body Armor Sports drink is a healthy option?
It’s a good question because, in addition to the vitamins and minerals, the popular drink may also contain excess sweeteners and other ingredients the body doesn’t need.
Review this comprehensive review of Bodyarmor drinks, which includes an analysis of calories and insights into the potential health benefits as well as the possible drawbacks. Review the ingredients and learn more to decide if Bodyarmor is the best option for you.
Individual needs vary, so consult your physician to confirm if electrolyte drinks, including Bodyarmor, are good for you.
Bodyarmor Nutrition Report Summary
Here is a quick summary of our key findings.
Report Summary
Bodyarmor Sports Drinks
Mike Repole, the co-founder of Glaceau Vitamin Water (now owned by coca-Cola), founded Bodyarmor in 2011. The drinks are marketed as natural, superior hydration sports and energy drinks.
It contains potassium, electrolytes, coconut water, natural flavors, and natural sweeteners. Body Armor is free of preservatives, gluten, and caffeine.
Individual needs vary. Accordingly, a crucial factor when deciding if Bodyarmor is healthy is to determine what is best for you. Always consult your healthcare provider for healthcare and dietary advice.
Are Sports Drinks Necessary?
On a typical day, the average human body excretes fluids through urine and sweat. It is important to replenish and hydrate with clean water.
Although you may be persuaded by marketing messages that emphasize the benefits of sports drinks, the human body produces necessary electrolytes.
Designed for Fitness Enthusiasts
Except for high-performance athletes or individuals who lose excess fluids through sweating, most people do not need to replenish electrolytes by drinking Bodyarmor, Monster, or other sugary drinks.
Even high energy athletes should monitor the quantity of sports drinks consumed.
Don’t choose an energy drink out of habit or purely for taste. Drinking Bodyarmor sports drinks means you’re also consuming more added sugar and additional ingredients such as ester gum, an emulsifying agent.
If you’re not doing high-intensity workouts, you probably don’t need electrolyte drinks. You’re probably better off drinking mostly water.
Ohio State University Health & Discovery
Should I Drink Body Armor?
Body Armor sports drinks hydrate and replenish fluids lost during physical activity. The product may be necessary during intense physical activity or when high temperatures lead to excess fluid loss.
There are many sports and energy drink options available on the market. Body Armor sets itself apart from competitors with a relatively higher level of potassium per serving.
In addition, Body Armor ingredients are derived primarily from natural sources.
If you’re a health-conscious individual who needs a recovery drink without petroleum-based dyes and artificial flavors, Body Armor may be a good choice.
Bodyarmor Provides a Healthy Alternative
A unique selling point of Body Armor is that it’s made without artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, or artificial colors.
Here is a quick summary of the potential benefits of choosing Bodyarmor products vs other sports drink options.
No Artificial Dyes
Bodyarmor uses natural colors derived from fruits and vegetable juice concentrate. By comparison, many other energy drinks contain artificial and synthetic colors and flavors.
Low Sugar
Bodyarmor drinks are made with cane sugar or natural sugar substitutes.
Compared with the high sugar content in competitor sports drinks, Bodyarmor may be a healthier choice for individuals on a low sugar diet or those who seek a low calorie sports drink.
That said, Bodyarmor Original contains up to 29 grams of sugar. For low-calorie sports drinks with less sugar, Bodyarmor Lyte and Bodyarmor Zero Sugar may be better options.
High Potassium
A 12 fl oz serving contains 55 mg potassium, which helps balance electrolytes, enhance muscle recovery, and boost hydration.
Low Sodium
Bodyarmor drinks contain 20 mg of sodium per 12-ounce serving. This may be the best option for individuals who maintain a low sodium diet.
However, for those engaging in prolonged, intense physical activities, the low sodium content may not be enough for you to replace the sodium lost through sweat. Additional supplementation might be needed.
Other Sports Drinks
By comparison, bottled beverages such as Gatorade or Bang Energy contain additives that do not align with the goals of a healthy diet.
All else being equal, Body Armor provides a healthy alternative compared to traditional sports drinks.
Any reference to Daily Value (%DV) is based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet for an average adult. It is the standard measure used by the FDA for general nutrition advice. Calorie needs vary. Your %DV may be higher or lower.
The following section provides an overview the four Bodyarmor drink options:
Bodyarmor Original
Strawberry Banana was selected to represent BodyArmor for this report. There may be minor variations in nutritional value for other flavors.
Of the four options, the original version of Bodyarmor has the highest amount of calories, total carbohydrates, and total sugar.
Bodyarmor Nutrition Facts
Bodyarmor Strawberry Banana
Amount (%DV) per 12 fl oz|
80 Calories |
510mg Potassium (10%) |
|
0g Fat (0%) |
230mcg Vitamin A (25%) |
|
20mg Sodium (1%) |
47mg Vitamin C (50%) |
|
19g Carbohydrates (7%) |
3.8mg Vitamin E (25%) |
|
19g Total Sugars |
3.8mg Pantothenic Acid (80%) |
|
17g Added Sugars (34%) |
55mg Magnesium (15%) |
|
0g Protein |
5.8mg Zinc (50%) |
Sugar
Pure cane sugar is listed as the second ingredient in Body Armor. The extra sugar can replenish glycogen and help refuel the body after a high impact cardio workout.
Sodium
With only 30 milligrams of sodium per serving, Bodyarmor Original drinks may be a great option for individuals on a low-sodium diet.
However, the drink may not provide the necessary amount of sodium if you are a heavy sweater or after a tough workout, especially in higher temperatures.
Consult with your physician or a certified dietician to determine how much sodium is best for you based on your height, weight, and level of activity.
Ingredients in Bodyarmor (Strawberry Banana) |
|---|
|
Filtered Water, Cane Sugar, Coconut Water Concentrate, Citric Acid, Electrolyte Blend (dipotassium phosphate, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide), Fruit and Vegetable Juice (color), Vitamins (ascorbic acid – vitamin C, calcium d-pantothenate – vitamin B5, niacinamide – vitamin B3, alpha-tocopheryl acetate – vitamin E, pyridoxine hydrochloride – vitamin B6, vitamin A palmitate, folic acid – vitamin B9, cyanocobalamin – vitamin B12), Gum Arabic, Natural Strawberry Banana Flavor and other Natural Flavors, Ester Gum, Steviol Glycosides (stevia sweetener), beta-Apo-8′-carotenal (color) |
Bodyarmor Lyte
Strawberry Banana was selected to represent BodyArmor Lyte for this report. There may be minor variations in nutritional value for other flavors.
Body Armor Lyte is a low-calorie drink with zero added sugars and 20 total calories per serving of 16 fluid ounces.
Bodyarmor Lyte Nutrition Facts
Bodyarmor Lyte Strawberry Banana
Amount (%DV) per 16 fl oz|
20 Calories |
680mg Potassium (15%) |
|
0g Fat (0%) |
300mcg Vitamin A (35%) |
|
30mg Sodium (1%) |
63mg Vitamin C (70%) |
|
5g Carbohydrates (2%) |
5mg Vitamin E (35%) |
|
2g Total Sugars |
5mg Pantothenic Acid (100%) |
|
0g Added Sugars (0%) |
75mg Magnesium (20%) |
|
0g Protein |
7.7mg Zinc (70%) |
Sugar
This lower sugar drink is sweetened with allulose, a natural sugar found in certain foods such as figs, molasses, and maple syrup.
Bodyarmor Lyte also contains Steviol Glycosides, a sweetener derived from the Stevia plant.
Steviol glycosides are not absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract and therefore do no contribute to any calories or impact blood glucose levels.
International Food Information Council
Lacking Essential Nutrients
Low-sugar or no-sugar sports drinks don’t provide enough carbohydrates to help fitness athletes replenish essential nutrients lost during a physical workout.
Ingredients in Bodyarmor Lyte (Strawberry Banana) |
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|
Filtered Water, Allulose, Citric Acid, Coconut Water Concentrate, Electrolyte Blend (dipotassium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide), Fruit and Vegetable Juice (color), Vitamins (ascorbic acid – vitamin C, calcium d-pantothenate – vitamin B5, niacinamide – vitamin B3, alpha-tocopheryl acetate – vitamin E, pyridoxine hydrochloride – vitamin B6, vitamin A palmitate, folic acid – vitamin B9, cholecalciferol – vitamin D3, cyanocobalamin – vitamin B12), Malic Acid, Gum Arabic, Steviol Glycosides, Natural Strawberry Banana Flavor and other Natural Flavors, Ester Gum, beta-Apo-8′-carotenal (color) |
Bodyarmor Zero Sugar
Watermelon Strawberry was selected to represent BodyArmor Zero Sugar for this report. There may be minor variations in nutritional value for other flavors.
Another low-calorie option is Zero Sugar Bodyarmor. The recipe includes stevia sweetener rather than the cane sugar used in the formulation for original Bodyarmor.
Bodyarmor Zero Sugar Nutrition Facts
Bodyarmor Zero Sugar Watermelon Strawberry
Amount (%DV) per 12 fl oz|
5 Calories |
460mg Potassium (10%) |
|
0g Fat (0%) |
230mcg Vitamin A (25%) |
|
0mg Sodium (0%) |
5mg Vitamin C (6%) |
|
0g Carbohydrates (0%) |
3.8mg Vitamin E (25%) |
|
0g Total Sugars |
3.8mg Pantothenic Acid (80%) |
|
0g Added Sugars (0%) |
50mg Magnesium (10%) |
|
0g Protein |
5.8mg Zinc (50%) |
Ingredients in Bodyarmor Zero Sugar (Watermelon Strawberry) |
|---|
|
Filtered Water, Citric Acid, Electrolyte Blend (dipotassium phosphate, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide), Fruit and Vegetable Juice (color), Steviol Glycosides, Vitamins (ascorbic acid – vitamin C, calcium d-pantothenate – vitamin B5, niacinamide – vitamin B3, alpha-tocopheryl acetate – vitamin E, pyridoxine hydrochloride – vitamin B6, vitamin A palmitate, folic acid – vitamin B9, cyanocobalamin – vitamin B12), Natural Strawberry Banana Flavor and other Natural Flavors, Gum Arabic, Ester Gum, beta-Carotene (color) |
Bodyarmor Flash IV
Strawberry Kiwi was selected to represent BodyArmor Flash I.V. for this report. There may be minor variations in nutritional value for other flavors.
A newer option with higher levels of sodium, Bodyarmor IV is designed for rapid rehydration. It may be a better choice for sports enthusiasts engaged in intense workouts who need to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating.
Flash I.V. drinks are made with 2% coconut water, cane sugar, and stevia leaf extract.
Bodyarmor Flash IV Nutrition Facts
Bodyarmor IV Strawberry Kiwi
Amount (%DV) per 20 fl oz|
80 Calories |
720mg Potassium (15%) |
|
0g Fat (0%) |
80mg Calcium (6%) |
|
530mg Sodium (23%) |
9mg Vitamin C (10%) |
|
16g Carbohydrates (6%) |
16mg Niacin (100%) |
|
15g Total Sugars |
1.7mg Vitamin B6 (100%) |
|
15g Added Sugars (30%) |
65mg Magnesium (15%) |
|
0g Protein |
11mg Zinc (100%) |
Ingredients in Bodyarmor IV |
|---|
|
Filtered Water, Cane Sugar, Electrolyte Blend (potassium citrate, salt, potassium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide), Citric Acia, Coconut Water Concentrate, Fruit and Vegetable Juice (color), Gum Arabic, Stevia Leaf Extract, Natural Strawberry Kiwi Flavor with other Natural Flavors, Ester Gum, Vitamins (ascorbic acid – vitamin C, niacinamide – vitamin B3, pyridoxine hydrochloride – vitamin B6, cyanocobalamin – vitamin B12), Guar Gum |
Bodyarmor Drink Ingredients
A core component of most Body Armor recipes is coconut water concentrate. Coconut water is widely praised for providing natural electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, which makes it a good option for rehydration.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is rich in potassium and magnesium, two essential electrolytes that help the body maintain a proper balance of fluids.
Moreover, coconut water is low in calories, which makes it a great choice for individuals on a dietary plan aimed at maintaining or weight loss.
Sweeteners
Pure cane sugar used in Bodyarmor Original and Bodyarmor Flash I.V. provides a key source of carbohydrates.
Bodyarmor Zero Sugar contains an extract from stevia leaf, a natural, low calorie sweetener.
Studies have shown the importance of avoiding sugar substitutes such as stevia, but all else being equal, a natural sweetener is often a better choice than synthetic ingredients. More studies have been published in recent years touting natural sugar as the healthier alternative to substitutes.
Vitamins
Select nutrients are added to Bodyarmor drink formulation, including multiple B Vitamins and Vitamins A, C, and E. Ascorbic acid helps support a healthy immune system.
Vitamins and antioxidants, such as zinc and magnesium, help the body overcome oxidative stress and support general good health and wellness.
Magnesium oxide promotes muscle recovery, boosts energy, and helps prevent cramping. Excess consumption of magnesium oxide, however, may result in bloating, diarrhea, or other digestive complications.
Electrolytes
Dipotassium phosphate replenishes electrolytes to maintain hydration levels and enhance endurance during physical activity.
Used in Bodyarmor Original and Bodyarmor Lyte, coconut water concentrate is high in potassium.