Pedialyte Nutrition Facts: Healthy or Unhealthy Hydration?

Staying properly hydrated is essential, and when dehydration strikes consumers often reach for solutions like Pedialyte. As a supplement manufacturer, in this guide we'll review Pedialyte nutrition facts with everything you need to know and dive into if Pedialyte is a healthy or unhealthy hydration option.

What Is Pedialyte?

Pedialyte is a well-known oral electrolyte solution designed to help rehydrate individuals, particularly children and infants, who are at risk of dehydration. More recently it has gained popularity with adults for usages such as hangovers.

It contains a combination of essential electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and chloride, which help restore the body's electrolyte balance.

Pedialyte Nutrition Facts

Let's take a closer look at the nutrition facts for Pedialyte.

Pedialyte Nutrition Facts 

Serving Size: 1 Liter or 33.8 Ounces (per container)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 0mg........................................0% DV
• Sodium: 1030mg..................................45% DV
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g....................12% DV
• Total Added Sugars: 25g.....................50% DV
• Protein: 0g............................................0% DV
• Potassium: 780mg...............................15% DV
• Zinc: 7.8mg..........................................70% DV
• Chloride: 1240mg................................50% DV

These are the Pedialyte Nutrition Facts that makeup the product in liquid sports drink form. The Pedialyte powder packets have the same quantity of Nutrition Facts, but just one third (1/3) the amount which is the size of one serving.

Pedialyte Ingredients

After reviewing Pedialyte nutrition facts, you can get a better view of what's in it by looking at its ingredients.

The primary ingredients in Pedialyte include the following list.

• Water
• Dextrose
• Citric Acid
• Potassium Citrate
• Salt
• Natural & Artificial Flavors
• Sodium Citrate
• Sucralose
• Acesulfame Potassium
• Zinc Gluconate
• Red 40
• Blue 1

These ingredients work together to replace the electrolytes lost during dehydration, including other added ingredients for flavoring, coloring, and preservatives.

Pros & Cons of Pedialyte Nutrition Facts

Discover for yourself if the pros outweigh the cons on Pedialyte nutrition facts.

PROS of Pedialyte Nutrition Facts:

• High Sodium - One of the significant advantages of Pedialyte is its high sodium content. Sodium is a key electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid balance — including muscle, nerve function, avoid cramps, and preventing water loss.
• Electrolyte Replenishment: It provides a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are important minerals for maintaining the body's electrolyte balance.
• Low in Calories: With only 45 calories per serving, or 120 per lister, Pedialyte is a low-calorie option for rehydration, making it suitable for those looking to replenish fluids without excessive calorie intake.
• Suitable for Children: Pedialyte is formulated for both infants and children, providing safe ingredients the are friendly for both adults and children.
• Quick Recovery: As a liquid, or even Pedialyte's powder packets, it aids in a faster recovery from dehydration that can absorb fast.

CONS of Pedialyte Nutrition Facts:

• Sugars: Pedialyte contains 9 grams of sugar per serving (25 grams per liter) which we consider to be excessive, and can be a concern for individuals looking to minimize sugar intake. We would also argue this is not the amount of sugar you want your kids taking daily.
• Artificial Flavors: It contains artificial flavors, which may not be suitable for those looking for a more natural solution. Sucralose alone has been shown to be dangerous and can to cause digestion issues.
• Artificial Colors: With artificial colors, such as Red 40 and Blue 1 in the grape flavor, these are not clean ingredients that are good for the body. As a synthetic color dye, Red 40 for example is potentially linked to cancer.
• Limited Use: Pedialyte is primarily designed for rehydration during illness, and with so much sugar content and artificial ingredients it may not be the most versatile or healthiest hydration option for everyday use.
• Possible Side Effects: While generally safe, overconsumption of Pedialyte can lead to an excessive intake of sugar and synthetic ingredients which may cause potential side effects. 

In conclusion, we believe the cons outweigh the pros of Pedialyte nutrition facts due to synthetic ingredients and sugar content. Especially for kids, these are not the type of ingredients we think are best when sick, like sugar that can suppress your immune system.

How Much Sugar Does Pedialyte Have In It?

Pedialyte contains 9 grams of sugar per serving, adding to a total of 25 grams in a full bottle which is a liter.

In our research, this is a high amount of sugar equivalent to more than half of a can of coke (39 grams of sugar).

Is Pedialyte Actually Healthy?

Due to Pedialyte's nutrition facts that's loaded with sugar (9-25 grams), in our analysis it's not healthy.

High sugar consumption can lead to diabetes, abnormal insulin spikes, weight gain, acne, and other health risks. Even worse, this is not the amount of sugar you'd want your kids to be eating on a daily basis, or even while they're sick.

Which Is Healthier Pedialyte Or Gatorade?

For as much sugar that Pedialyte has in it, Gatorade has more. Gatorade contains 1.8 grams of sugar per ounce vs Pedialyte contains 0.7 grams of sugar per ounce.

While they both used artificial flavors and sweeteners, based on sugar alone we conclude that Pedialyte is slightly healthier due to less sugar content.

What Is A Good Alternative To Pedialyte With No Sugar?

As a good alternative to Pedialyte with no sugar, Zaca's chewables are on of the top solutions. Sweetened with xylitol and stevia instead, you can get clean hydration without sugar.

Pediatlye Alternative 

Rehydrate your body with Zaca's chewable supplement, without the sugar and artificial ingredients. Made with a blend of premium herbs and amino acids, these chewables will help you replenish and recover fast. Specialty formulated with glutamine to help you absorb water quicker. A delicious way to hydrate, in travel-friendly packets that you can take anywhere, anytime. Try Zaca's chewable supplement today for easy and optimal hydration.

 

SOURCES:

1. Pedialyte Nutrition Facts Electrolyte Solution, Grape, Hydration Drink, 1 Liter
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pedialyte-Electrolyte-Solution-Grape-Hydration-Drink-1-Liter/17619769?
2. Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution, Grape, Hydration Drink, 8 bottles, 1 liter each - Amazon Listing With Nutrition Facts
https://www.amazon.com/Pedialyte-Electrolyte-Solution-Drink-Liquid/dp/B000ARWL2S
3. Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder Strawberry Lemonade, 6 Ct
https://www.amazon.com/Pedialyte-Electrolyte-Powder-Strawberry-Hydration/dp/B00URXQOXM
4. Sucralose Dangers
https://draxe.com/nutrition/sucralose/
5. Is Red Dye 40 Safe?
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/red-dye-40/
6. Pedialyte Nutrition Information - HYDRATE AND FEEL BETTER FAST
https://www.pedialyte.com/

---

Also in Blog