What Is Liquid IV?
Liquid IV is a hydration supplement that uses "Cellular Transport Technology" (CTT) — a specific ratio of sodium, potassium, and glucose designed to enhance water absorption. It has become one of the most popular hydration supplements on the market.
Electrolyte Content
Each packet contains:
- Sodium: 500mg
- Potassium: 380mg
- Vitamin C: 60mg
- B3, B5, B6, B12: Various amounts
It also contains 11g of sugar (from cane sugar and dextrose), which is used in the CTT formula.
Taste Test
Liquid IV comes in many flavors. Our favorites were Lemon Lime and Acai Berry. The taste is generally pleasant, though some flavors are sweeter than others.
Does CTT Actually Work?
The science behind CTT is based on the sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism, which is well-established in medical science. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) use the same principle. So yes, CTT does enhance hydration compared to water alone.
Pros
- Effective hydration technology
- Good taste variety
- Contains vitamins
- Widely available in stores
Cons
- High sugar content (11g per packet)
- Expensive at $1.69 per serving
- Not suitable for keto or low-sugar diets
- Lower sodium than competitors like LMNT
Verdict: 4.4/5
Liquid IV is an effective hydration supplement with proven technology. However, the high sugar content makes it less suitable for keto dieters and those watching sugar intake. Best for general hydration and post-illness recovery.