Liquid IV vs. Pedialyte – What’s the Difference?
Quick Answer
Liquid IV and Pedialyte are both hydration solutions, but Liquid IV offers additional vitamins such as A, B, and C not found in Pedialyte. Liquid IV uses Cellular Transport Technology for quicker absorption, making it a better choice for post-workout recovery, while Pedialyte is suitable for all ages and restores electrolytes effectively.
Read on for more detail
Sometimes, your body needs some extra hydration, whether it is after a big night out or an intense workout, and electrolyte drinks are the best way to boost hydration levels and energy again.
Electrolytes do a great job of preventing muscle cramping, dehydration, and getting your pH level back to normal, and two of the best ways to consume these electrolytes is through Liquid IV or Pedialyte.
What is the difference between Liquid IV and Pedialyte? Liquid IV and Pedialyte are two similar products, as both are great with rehydrating the body. The main difference is that Liquid IV contains additional benefits, such as vitamin A, a range of vitamin B, and vitamin C, and Pedialyte does not contain these.
To work out which might be the better option for you and your needs, we have done a comparison – Liquid IV vs. Pedialyte, highlighting their benefits, ingredients, and uses!
What Is Liquid IV?
Liquid IV is powder packed with vitamins and minerals that you mix into water or even a smoothie. It can be used for specific needs, such as before or after a workout, or as a daily boost to reach your water intake.
Liquid IV uses Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), which utilizes the optimal ratio of ingredients that enhance the rapid absorption of nutrients and water into your bloodstream, rehydrating you quickly.
It has the same benefits as an IV drip, just without the needles.
One of the popular uses for Liquid IV is to feel better the next day after having a few too many with friends.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration. So, if you use Liquid IV, you can prevent or at least lessen that icky feeling you feel after a big night out!
Liquid IV Ingredients
Knowing the ingredients the Liquid IV contains helps you understand how it works, and why it is so effective at rehydrating the body.
Here are the beneficial ingredients found in Liquid IV:
Glucose and Minerals
There is a very precise ratio of glucose, potassium, and sodium found in Liquid IV. This creates a system where hydration is delivered to the bloodstream faster.
Liquid IV follows the World Health Organization guidelines for Oral Rehydration, which is a specific formulation of sodium, water, and glucose.
Vitamin B
Liquid IV contains vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, which are essential for boosting metabolism and can be great to help with recovery.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is important for multiple body systems, and it is a great addition to have in Liquid IV, to boost the immune system too.
Liquid IV Products
There are a few Liquid IV products to choose from, all of which help boost energy levels, hydration, and physical performance, but each product also has a specific benefit too.
These are some of the most popular Liquid IV products:
1. Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier
The Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier is an electrolyte drink that is powered by Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to deliver hydration to the bloodstream efficiently and quickly.
Formulated with 5 essential vitamins, such as vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, and vitamin C, it helps to do more than rehydrate your body.
The drink mix is also gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free.
There are multiple flavors to choose from, such as Passion Fruit, Lemon Lime, Watermelon, Concord Grape, Strawberry, and more.
Enjoy rapid hydration with a single sachet of drink mix, and all the extra nutrients that come with it.
2. Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support
The Liquid UV Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support has all the great benefits that the Liquid IV Multiplier has.
However, it also has added immune-boosting ingredients such as vitamin C and zinc.
These help to maintain and strengthen the immune system.
Each sachet contains 5x the daily dose of vitamin C, making sure your immune system has all the support it needs.
Other than the immune support, the drink sachet uses CTT to deliver rapid hydration to the bloodstream, made with premium, non-GMO ingredients.
The sachets also include Wellmune, which is a naturally sourced beta-glucan that further helps to strengthen the immune system and maintain overall physical well-being.
The tangerine flavor makes this a great addition to your daily diet, and your body will thank you for the hydration and immune support boost!
3. Liquid IV Sleep Multiplier
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The Liquid IV Sleep Multiplier is a great option for those who need a boost of hydration, but who also need a little bit of help falling asleep too.
It is formulated with the signature CTT, to enhance the rapid absorption of water and nutrients into the system.
It also contains melatonin, L-theanine, and valerian root, which are all known to encourage a night of restful sleep.
Not only will you enjoy falling asleep quicker with this drink mix, but you will wake up feeling refreshed.
Does Liquid IV Work?
Liquid IV does work well, and it effectively accelerates hydration and works well to replenish electrolytes in the body. It is a great option specifically for athletes and those who work out, and those who need a quick boost of hydration.
The CTT-powered formula makes Liquid IV one of the best options on the market.
It has incorporated this to meet other needs too, creating products that offer the same rapid hydration but which also support the immune system and help people sleep quicker.
Liquid IV has also been known to help with negative side effects after drinking too much and can be just what you need the morning after a big night out.
What Is Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is a hydration solution that helps to restore fluid, electrolytes, and zinc in the body, preventing dehydration and boosting energy in the body.
It has been scientifically formulated with the optimal balance of sodium electrolytes and sugar, which is essential to replenish fluids and electrolytes.
Pedialyte is commonly used after exercise, after travel, heat, and illness, to help the body recover quicker. It is also a great option for after a night out drinking, to replenish the hydration you lost through alcohol.
What helps Pedialyte stand out among other rehydration drinks is that it is suitable for the whole family, and it has only the optimal amount of sugar, and no more.
Potassium, sodium, and chloride all combine to offer the best hydration you could want.
Pedialyte Ingredients
Pedialyte ingredients are formulated to offer rapid, effective hydration, to help the body recover after strain or illness. Here are the ingredients that help it do so:
Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride
Pedialyte has an optimal ratio of sodium, potassium, and chloride, all of which help with the rapid absorption of water and hydration to the bloodstream.
Zinc
Zinc can’t be stored naturally in the body, and zinc content is determined by what you eat or drink.
Having zinc in Pedialyte has many benefits, such as boosting the absorption of water and electrolytes, and maintaining the immune system.
Pedialyte Products
There are various types of Pedialyte products to choose from, all suited for hydration and energy, but with some added benefits too.
1. Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution, Hydration
The Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution replaces electrolytes in the body and is suitable for both adults and children to consume.
It provides an optimal balance of electrolytes and sugar to prevent mild to moderate dehydration and is considered to be a medical-hydration drink.
This is an unflavored pack, but you can find the Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution in 17 different flavors, which are all refreshing and best served chilled.
2. Pedialyte AdvancedCare Electrolyte Solution
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The Pedialyte AdvancedCare Electrolyte Solution helps to restore hydration, but it also helps support digestive health with preactiv prebiotics.
This Pedialyte product is ideal to use following vomiting and diarrhea, side effects from alcohol, travel, and intense exercise.
It is especially helpful for those who need additional gut support
The AdvancedCare Solution helps you feel better fast and helps rehydrate you when you need some extra help.
3. Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder
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If you are not wanting a Pedialyte liquid mix, then you could opt for the Electrolyte Powder.
It is a convenient rehydration option for kids and adults, and it tastes really great when mixed with water.
The powder has been designed to replace electrolytes and fluids that the body has lost, and has an optimal balance of sugar and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.
You can choose a few different flavor powders, including grape, strawberry, cherry, orange, and lemonade. Each pack also only has 50 calories and 0 grams of fat.
The powder sachets are really handy to keep stocked away at home for when you need a punch of hydration.
Does Pedialyte Work?
Pedialyte definitely works well to boost hydration after a workout, sickness, or a night out. It is packed with all the right ingredients and nutrients to help replace electrolytes and fluids, helping you feel better faster.
It also has a good content of zinc, which helps to further increase the absorption of water, reduce any stomach upset, and boost the immune system.
What makes Pedialyte stand out among many other electrolyte drinks is that it is suitable for the whole family, and works as an effective hydrator for both adults and children.
Choose Pedialyte when you need help rehydrating and preventing dehydration from happening, and enjoy the great flavors that the different Pedialyte products come in.
Liquid IV vs. Pedialyte
Liquid IV and Pedialyte are two very similar products, and both are used to treat dehydration and are both based on the same rehydration formula.
The two share similar ingredients, such as sugars, salts, minerals, and more, and both are enjoyed as a drink, whether they are first found as a powder, a liquid concentrate, or a bottle of ready-to-drink liquid.
While the two are similar, there are some differences between them. The main difference is that Liquid IV contains additional benefits, such as vitamin A, a range of vitamin B, and vitamin C, and Pedialyte does not contain these.
This means that Liquid IV has a little more to offer in terms of vitamins, but if you are looking for just hydration and electrolytes, then Pedialyte does just as well as Liquid IV.
Both Pedialyte and Liquid IV are suitable for adults and children, but the difference is that Pedialyte is suited from the age of 1 year and up, and Liquid IV is suited for children aged 4 years and older.
Which Is Better for Post-Workouts?
Both drinks can be used as a post-workout rehydration boost, but between the two, Liquid IV is possibly the better option.
It offers an optimal ratio of nutrients that deliver hydration quickly, and all you need to carry with you to the gym is a single-serve sachet and some water.
It provides the same amount of hydration as 2-3 bottles of water, and it contains non-GMO and no artificial ingredients.
Liquid IV will also boost your vitamin B3, B5, B6, B12, and vitamin C intake, which further helps with recovery after a workout.
Which Is Better for the Day After Having Too Many Drinks?
If you have enjoyed a big night out and need some help feeling normal again in the morning, then Pedialyte might be your best option.
It is especially helpful if you do not feel like you can stomach anything the next morning, as it comes in an unflavored option too.
It is packed with potassium, sodium, and chloride, which help restore your body’s sugar and electrolyte balance, making it a great option for nixing that not-so-great feeling after drinking.
A cold glass of Pedialyte in the morning might be what sets you straight, or you could opt for the powder pack or freezer pops too!
Is It Okay to Drink Liquid IV or Pedialyte Every Day?
There is no need to drink Pedialyte or Liquid IV daily unless you have been instructed to do so by a medical professional.
You should have healthy water intake daily, and use Pedialyte or Liquid IV if you need a boost of hydration after exercising, playing sports, being sick, or having a big night out.
Only look to use Liquid IV or Pedialyte if you need extra electrolytes and hydration, but do not rely on them for your daily hydration.
Related Questions
Now that we’ve gone over the differences between Liquid IV and Pedialyte, let’s take a look at a few related questions on the subject!
What Are the Signs That You Have Low Electrolytes?
There are a few symptoms that might appear with an electrolyte imbalance. Some of these symptoms include muscle spasms, dizziness, or cramps. These often occur after intense workouts.
Are There Any Side Effects from Electrolyte Drinks?
You should not experience any side effects from drinking electrolyte drinks, but just be sure to check the ingredient list before having some to make sure there are no ingredients that you might be sensitive to.
Is Liquid IV Better Than Gatorade?
Liquid IV is considered to be a little better than Gatorade as it has less sugar and fewer calories and contains higher amounts of electrolytes and vitamins.
Liquid IV also contains higher levels of sodium and potassium.
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