What’s the Deal with Vitamin Water?
How many of you drink “enhanced” waters, such as VitaminWater, on a regular basis? If so, you may be wondering how healthy or unhealthy they really are. Afterall, the rapper 50 Cent, as well as Kelly Clarkson and Shaquille O’Neal, promote them. 50 Cent even has his own flavor called Formula 50! (See pic) I recently received an email from a CGB reader asking my opinion of VitaminWater.
Question from Kelly: Martha, what is your opinion of VitaminWater? I really don’t like plain water and have been drinking Vitamin water in an attempt to increase my fluid intake. I usually drink the B-Relaxed VitaminWater as my job is quite stressful. Do you think this water will help decrease stress levels?
Answer from Martha: “Enhanced” waters have become very popular. Sales of these beverages have increased by over 30% in the past year. They are so popular the Coca Cola bought VitaminWater and PepsiCo bought Sobe. These beverages are promoted as a healthy alternative to soda, other energy type drinks and even water. They can contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, herbs, etc. They can also contain 2 heaping Tablespons of sugar (125 calories)!
So to answer your two questions:
1. I do not recommend these beverages as they contain large amounts of sugar. You are much better off drinking plain water. This will save you 125 calories and 32 grams of sugar. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, you could squeeze a little lemon or lime into it. While I don’t see a problem with drinking VitaminWater (or any “enhanced” water containing sugar) on occasion, it shouldn’t be part of your diet on a regular basis.
2. The average American does not need the extra vitamins found in these products. If you do need a supplement, you are much better off taking a general multivitamin/mineral supplement as it will provide you with a much wider array of vitamins and minerals.
3. Lastly, there is no evidence that the B vitamins and other ingredients found in B-Relaxed will actually decrease stress levels!
One more thing, when reading the nutrition label of these beverages (or any food product for that matter), keep in mind that you are usually consuming more than the standard serving size listed on the label. For example, “a serving” of VitaminWater is 8 ounces. Most people would drink the whole bottle which is 20 ounces - so you are really getting 2.5 servings!
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