Is Body Armor Actually Healthy? Debunking Common Myths

July 26, 2024

35 17 minutes read

With the sports drink industry worth over $6 billion in the U.S. alone, it’s no surprise that new brands are constantly popping up, promising superior hydration and performance benefits.^[1] One of the most popular newcomers is Body Armor, a colorful line of beverages that claims to be a healthier alternative to traditional sports drinks like Gatorade. Endorsed by major athletes and celebrities, Body Armor has quickly gained a devoted following. But with its bright hues and sweet flavors, many people can’t help but wonder: is Body Armor actually good for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients, nutrition facts, and potential health impacts of these trendy sports drinks to help you separate fact from fiction.

Table of Contents

What Is Body Armor?

Body Armor is a line of sports drinks created by the founder of Fuze Beverage and NOS Energy Drink in 2011. The brand was later purchased by Coca-Cola and is now promoted by a range of celebrity athletes including James Harden and Naomi Osaka.

There are several different Body Armor product lines:

Body Armor Sports Drink: The original Body Armor formula, these drinks come in flavors like Fruit Punch, Orange Mango, and Mixed Berry. They contain coconut water, vitamins, and electrolytes.
Body Armor Lyte: A low-calorie version of the original drink sweetened with erythritol and stevia instead of sugar. Lyte comes in flavors like Peach Mango, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Coconut.
Body Armor Edge: Contains all the original Body Armor ingredients plus 100mg of natural caffeine for an energy boost. Edge flavors include Tropical Pomelo, Berry Blitz, and Power Punch.
Body Armor SportWater: An electrolyte-enhanced water with a high pH to promote hydration. The waters have no calories or sugar.

All Body Armor drinks prominently advertise that they contain no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes. Instead, they use natural sweeteners like pure cane sugar, erythritol, and stevia leaf extract. The drinks are colored with fruit and vegetable juices rather than synthetic dyes.

How Does Body Armor Work?

The main way Body Armor and other sports drinks aim to boost hydration and performance is through their electrolyte content. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium that carry an electric charge. They play critical roles in the body, including:

Regulating fluid balance
Supporting proper muscle and nerve function
Maintaining stable blood pressure
Keeping the body’s pH in a healthy range

When you sweat during exercise, you lose both fluid and electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium. If these losses are not replaced, you can start to feel fatigued, dizzy, and mentally foggy. In severe cases, electrolyte imbalances can even lead to serious issues like seizures, irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

The idea behind sports drinks is to provide a balanced blend of fluid, electrolytes, and carbohydrates to replenish what’s lost in sweat and provide energy to working muscles. Body Armor sets itself apart from competitors by offering a higher amount of potassium in particular.

A 16-ounce bottle of Body Armor contains:

530mg of potassium (15% of the daily value)
30mg of sodium (1% of the daily value)
20mg of magnesium (5% of the daily value)
20mg of calcium (2% of the daily value)

In comparison, the same size serving of Gatorade contains:

50mg of potassium (1% of the daily value)
160mg of sodium (7% of the daily value)
No magnesium or calcium

So while Gatorade focuses more on replacing sodium losses, Body Armor provides a higher dose of potassium as well as small amounts of other electrolytes. Potassium is important for heart function, muscle contraction, and maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Body Armor also contains small amounts of vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and B vitamins. These are meant to provide antioxidant support and assist with energy production, though the amounts are fairly low compared to the daily recommended values.

What Are The Different Types Of Body Armor?

As mentioned, Body Armor comes in several different product lines tailored to specific needs and preferences. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each one:

1. Body Armor Sports Drink

The original Body Armor formula is designed to provide superior hydration for athletes and active individuals. A 16-ounce bottle contains 70 calories, 21 grams of sugar, and a blend of coconut water, vitamins, and electrolytes.

The drinks are sweetened with pure cane sugar and natural flavors. They also contain vegetable juice concentrates (like purple carrot and beet juice) for color instead of artificial dyes.

Body Armor Sports Drink comes in 12 flavors:

Fruit Punch
Orange Mango
Strawberry Banana
Mixed Berry
Grape
Blackout Berry
Tropical Punch
Watermelon Strawberry
Gold Berry
Blueberry Pomegranate
Tropical Coconut
Lemonade

2. Body Armor Lyte

Body Armor Lyte is a low-calorie version of the original sports drink sweetened with erythritol and stevia leaf extract instead of sugar. A 16-ounce bottle contains just 20 calories and 2 grams of sugar.

Despite the lower calorie count, Lyte still provides the same level of electrolytes as the original formula, with 530mg of potassium, 30mg of sodium, 20mg of magnesium, and 20mg of calcium per bottle.

The Lyte line comes in five flavors:

Peach Mango
Blueberry Pomegranate
Coconut
Tropical Coconut
Watermelon

3. Body Armor Edge

Body Armor Edge is designed for athletes looking for an extra energy boost during training and competition. It contains all the same ingredients as the original Body Armor formula plus 100mg of natural caffeine from guarana and green tea extract. That’s about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.

The Edge line provides a range of B-vitamins to support energy production as well as 530mg of potassium and other electrolytes for hydration. A 16-ounce bottle contains 140 calories and 35 grams of sugar from pure cane sugar.

Edge comes in four flavors:

Tropical Pomelo
Berry Blitz
Power Punch
Watermelon Wave

What Are The Common Myths About Body Armor?

With clever marketing and celebrity endorsements, Body Armor has positioned itself as a healthier, more natural alternative to traditional sports drinks. But are these claims backed by science? Let’s break down some of the most common myths about Body Armor.

1. Body Armor Is A Healthy Choice For Everyone

One pervasive myth is that because Body Armor contains natural ingredients and added vitamins, it’s a nutritious choice for anyone looking to stay hydrated. However, the truth is that most people don’t need sports drinks and can stay well-hydrated by drinking regular water.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, sports drinks are only recommended for individuals engaging in intense physical activity for longer than one hour, particularly in hot and humid conditions.^[2] For lighter workouts or everyday hydration needs, plain water is sufficient for most people.

In fact, regularly consuming sports drinks when you’re not exercising intensely can actually undermine your health by providing unnecessary calories and sugar. Body Armor is lower in sugar than many other sports drinks, but a 16-ounce bottle still packs 21 grams, or about 5 teaspoons.

Drinking sugary beverages too often can contribute to issues like unwanted weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, and dental cavities. The American Heart Association recommends that children consume no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day, while women should limit intake to 25 grams and men to 36 grams.^[3]

2. The Vitamins In Body Armor Provide Significant Health Benefits

Body Armor contains small amounts of several vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and B vitamins. While these nutrients are essential for health, the amounts in Body Armor are fairly low compared to the recommended daily values.

For example, a 16-ounce bottle of Body Armor provides:

10% of the daily value for vitamin A
10% of the daily value for vitamin C
20% of the daily value for B6
20% of the daily value for B12

While these vitamins offer some antioxidant and energy-supporting benefits, they’re not enough to make a significant impact on overall nutrition, especially if you’re already consuming a balanced diet. Most people can get more than enough of these nutrients from whole food sources like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

What’s more, some research suggests that isolating vitamins in supplement form may not provide the same benefits as consuming them in whole foods, which contain fiber, phytochemicals, and other health-promoting compounds. In some cases, high doses of isolated vitamins could even be harmful.

For instance, studies have found that supplementing with high doses of vitamin E may increase the risk of prostate cancer in men.^[4] The beta-carotene in vitamin A supplements has also been linked to a higher lung cancer risk in smokers.^[5]

The bottom line? While the vitamins in Body Armor aren’t likely to cause harm, they’re also not a replacement for a nutritious diet and shouldn’t be the main reason you choose this drink.

3. Body Armor Is Completely Natural And Free From Artificial Ingredients

Body Armor heavily markets itself as a natural alternative to other sports drinks, pointing out that it does not contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes. However, “natural” doesn’t always mean healthy or risk-free.

While Body Armor uses mostly natural sweeteners like cane sugar, erythritol, and stevia, these ingredients can still have potential downsides. Cane sugar is still an added sugar that can contribute to health issues when consumed in excess. Sugar-free sweeteners like erythritol and stevia are considered safe, but some people may experience digestive side effects from sugar alcohols like erythritol.

Body Armor also contains natural flavors and vegetable juice concentrates for color. While these sound wholesome, the term “natural flavors” is very broad and can actually contain a wide range of chemical additives and solvents. Vegetable juice concentrates are often highly processed with the healthy fiber removed.

Additionally, Body Armor contains preservatives like potassium sorbate and calcium disodium EDTA to extend shelf life and improve stability. While these additives are generally recognized as safe, some people may be sensitive to them.

The point is, while Body Armor uses mostly natural ingredients, it’s still a highly processed, manufactured product. Whole foods like fruits and vegetables are a better choice for obtaining natural vitamins and electrolytes.

4. Body Armor Is Proven To Enhance Athletic Performance

Perhaps the biggest myth perpetuated by the sports drink industry is that these products are essential for boosting athletic performance and recovery. While it’s true that some athletes benefit from sports drinks during prolonged, intense exercise, the advantages for the average fitness enthusiast are less clear.

Despite the marketing hype, there’s no strong evidence that Body Armor or other sports drinks significantly improve exercise outcomes for most people. Some studies have found small performance benefits, but research results are mixed overall.

For example, one study gave 14 runners either a sports drink or a placebo during a 15-mile race in the heat. The sports drink did not improve race times compared to the placebo, though the runners drinking it did maintain better hydration levels.^[6]

Another study looked at the effects of three different drinks—a sports drink, plain water, and no fluid—on hydration and performance in cyclists. The researchers found that while the sports drink helped the cyclists stay better hydrated, there were no significant differences in time trial performance between the three groups.^[7]

And in a review of 17 studies on carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drinks and endurance performance, researchers concluded that the benefits were modest at best, with most studies showing improvements of 2% or less.^[8]

Of course, there are certainly some athletes and exercisers who find that sports drinks help them feel and perform better. But for the average person who works out for an hour or less at a time, plain water is sufficient to stay hydrated and energized. Eating a balanced diet to support hydration and glycogen stores is also key.

What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Body Armor?

While Body Armor may not be necessary or beneficial for everyone, the drinks do offer some potential perks for certain individuals and situations. Here are a few possible benefits of choosing Body Armor:

1. Convenient Hydration And Electrolyte Replacement For Intense Exercise

For athletes engaging in prolonged, vigorous exercise, especially in the heat, Body Armor can be a quick and easy way to replace fluid and electrolyte losses. The drinks provide a balanced blend of key electrolytes like potassium and sodium that are lost through sweat.

Sipping on Body Armor before, during, and after intense workouts can help ward off dehydration and keep blood electrolyte levels stable. This is important for maintaining athletic performance and avoiding symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, and dizziness.

The carbohydrates in Body Armor can also provide a source of easily digestible energy to working muscles. Consuming 30-60 grams of carbs per hour during extended exercise can help maintain blood glucose levels and delay fatigue.

2. Lower In Sugar Than Many Other Sports Drinks

For those who do opt for sports drinks, Body Armor is a lower-sugar choice compared to many other popular brands. While a 16-ounce bottle of Gatorade contains 34 grams of added sugar, the same size Body Armor has 21 grams. The Body Armor Lyte line is even lower at just 2 grams of sugar per 16 ounces.

Limiting added sugar intake is important for maintaining a healthy weight, stable energy levels, and good dental health. Opting for lower-sugar sports drinks can help athletes and active individuals stay hydrated without going overboard on the sweet stuff.

That said, it’s still important to be mindful of portion sizes, as even the sugar in Body Armor can add up quickly if you’re drinking it regularly. Stick to the recommended serving size and don’t let sports drinks crowd out water and other unsweetened beverages in your diet.

3. No Artificial Sweeteners, Flavors, Or Dyes

For individuals who prefer to avoid artificial ingredients, Body Armor offers a more natural alternative to sports drinks that contain synthetic sweeteners, flavors, and dyes. The brand uses only natural sweeteners like pure cane sugar, erythritol, and stevia leaf extract.

Body Armor is also colored with fruit and vegetable juice concentrates rather than artificial food dyes. Some research suggests that certain synthetic dyes may have negative effects on attention and behavior in children, though more studies are needed.

While the natural ingredients in Body Armor don’t necessarily make it a health food, they may be appealing to consumers who are looking to minimize their intake of artificial additives. Just remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean nutritious, and Body Armor is still a sugary drink to be consumed in moderation.

4. Tasty Way To Encourage Fluid Intake

Let’s face it, plain water can get boring, especially when you’re exercising hard and craving something flavorful. The sweet taste and bright colors of Body Armor can be more appealing and easier to drink in large quantities compared to plain water.

If the flavor of Body Armor encourages you to drink more fluids and stay better hydrated, that’s a good thing. Adequate hydration is essential for regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, removing waste, and keeping joints lubricated.

Of course, you don’t need the calories and sugar in Body Armor to meet your hydration needs. Jazzing up your water with sliced fruit, mint leaves, or a splash of juice can make it more enticing without the added sugar. But if you’re really craving a sports drink, Body Armor is a reasonable choice.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Drinking Body Armor?

While Body Armor is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation, there are a few potential risks and drawbacks to be aware of:

1. Excess Sugar Intake

The biggest concern with regularly drinking Body Armor is the added sugar content. While lower than many other sports drinks, a 16-ounce bottle still packs 21 grams of sugar, which can add up quickly if you’re drinking it often.

Consuming too much added sugar is linked to a range of health issues, including:

Weight gain and obesity
Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Dental cavities
Chronic inflammation

The American Heart Association recommends that children consume no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day, while women should limit intake to 25 grams (6 teaspoons) and men to 36 grams (9 teaspoons).^[3]

For reference, a 16-ounce bottle of Body Armor contains 21 grams of added sugar, which is 84% of the recommended daily limit for kids and women and 58% of the recommended limit for men. Drinking just one or two bottles per day could easily put you over these guidelines.

To minimize added sugar intake, opt for Body Armor Lyte, which is sweetened with erythritol and stevia and contains just 2 grams of sugar per 16-ounce bottle. Even better, stick with plain water or unsweetened beverages most of the time and only reach for sports drinks during prolonged, intense exercise.

2. Digestive Issues From Sugar Alcohols

The Body Armor Lyte line is sweetened with erythritol, a type of sugar alcohol that is commonly used in sugar-free products. While erythritol is generally recognized as safe and doesn’t impact blood sugar levels, some people may experience digestive side effects from consuming it in large amounts.

Possible symptoms can include:

Bloating
Gas
Nausea
Diarrhea

Sugar alcohols like erythritol are not fully absorbed in the small intestine, so they can travel to the large intestine where they are fermented by gut bacteria. This fermentation process can lead to the production of gas and other GI symptoms.

Most people can tolerate erythritol in the amounts found in Body Armor Lyte without issues. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are consuming multiple servings per day, you may want to be mindful of your intake and see how your body reacts.

3. Interactions With Medications

The electrolytes in Body Armor, particularly potassium, may interact with certain medications. Potassium can be harmful for people with kidney disease or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers.

These medications can cause potassium to build up in the body, and drinking high-potassium beverages like Body Armor could further increase levels. High potassium, or hyperkalemia, can lead to dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities.

If you have kidney problems or take medications that affect potassium levels, talk to your doctor before drinking Body Armor or other sports drinks. You may need to limit your intake or choose a lower-potassium option.

4. Dental Erosion From Acidity

Like many other sports drinks, Body Armor has a low pH, meaning it is acidic. The citric acid added to these beverages for flavor can erode tooth enamel over time, especially if you’re sipping on them throughout the day.

To minimize dental erosion from Body Armor, drink it in one sitting rather than sipping on it slowly. Swishing water around your mouth after drinking can also help neutralize acid on your teeth. And of course, practicing good dental hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing regularly is important.

If you have sensitive teeth or are prone to cavities, you may want to limit your intake of acidic drinks like Body Armor and opt for plain water or milk instead. You can also use a straw to help the liquid bypass your teeth.

How Can You Choose The Right Body Armor For You?

With multiple Body Armor product lines and flavors to choose from, selecting the best option for your needs and preferences can be tricky. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Consider Your Activity Level And Hydration Needs

The first step in choosing a Body Armor product is to assess your activity level and hydration needs. If you’re a competitive athlete engaged in prolonged, intense training sessions, the original Body Armor Sports Drink may be a good choice for replacing electrolytes and providing energy.

However, if you’re exercising for an hour or less at a moderate intensity, you likely don’t need the added sugar and calories in a sports drink. Plain water or Body Armor SportWater should be sufficient to keep you hydrated.

For those watching their calorie or sugar intake, Body Armor Lyte is a good low-sugar option that still provides electrolytes. And if you’re looking for a boost of energy before or during a workout, the Body Armor Edge line with caffeine may be appealing.

2. Read The Nutrition Facts And Ingredient List

When comparing Body Armor products, be sure to read the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list carefully. Pay attention to the calorie, sugar, and electrolyte content per serving to ensure it aligns with your needs and goals.

Keep in mind that the percent daily values (%DV) listed are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your individual needs may be higher or lower depending on factors like age, sex, weight, and activity level.

Also, scan the ingredient list to look for any additives or allergens you may want to avoid. While Body Armor uses mostly natural ingredients, some people may be sensitive to certain additives like natural flavors or vegetable juice concentrates.

3. Choose Flavors You Enjoy

With so many Body Armor flavors available, there’s sure to be an option that appeals to your taste preferences. The original line offers the widest variety of flavors, with options like Fruit Punch, Orange Mango, and Mixed Berry.

If you prefer a lighter, less sweet taste, the Body Armor Lyte flavors like Peach Mango or Coconut may be more appealing. And for those who like a bit of a kick, the caffeinated Body Armor Edge line comes in bold flavors like Tropical Pomelo and Power Punch.

Ultimately, the best flavor is the one that you enjoy and will actually drink consistently. It may take some trial and error to find your favorite, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different options.

FAQs

What is the healthiest sports drink?

The healthiest sports drink is one that provides the right balance of fluids, electrolytes, and carbohydrates for your individual needs without excessive added sugars or artificial ingredients. Among mainstream brands, Body Armor and Gatorade Zero are lower in sugar than traditional sports drinks. However, plain water is the healthiest choice for most people.

Does BodyArmor have too much sugar?

A 16-ounce bottle of regular Body Armor contains 21 grams of added sugar, which is lower than many other sports drinks but still a significant amount. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams per day for men. Drinking multiple servings of Body Armor could easily exceed these limits.

Is BodyArmor no sugar?

Body Armor Lyte is a low-calorie, low-sugar version of Body Armor that contains just 2 grams of sugar per 16-ounce bottle. It is sweetened with erythritol and stevia leaf extract instead of cane sugar. The original Body Armor Sports Drink and Body Armor Edge lines do contain added sugars.

Is prime healthier than BodyArmor?

PRIME is another popular sports drink brand that contains coconut water, antioxidants, and electrolytes. Like Body Armor, it is lower in sugar than traditional sports drinks, with 20 grams per 16-ounce bottle compared to Body Armor’s 21 grams. However, PRIME contains artificial sweeteners like sucralose, while Body Armor uses natural sweeteners. Overall, neither brand is necessarily “healthier,” and both should be consumed in moderation.

Is BodyArmor the healthiest drink?

No, Body Armor is not the healthiest drink overall. While it may be a better choice than some other sugary beverages, it still contains a significant amount of added sugar and calories. Plain water, unsweetened tea, and low-fat milk are all healthier beverage options for everyday hydration needs.

Is BodyArmor better than Gatorade?

Body Armor and Gatorade have similar nutrient profiles, but Body Armor is slightly lower in sugar and calories and contains more micronutrients. A 16-ounce bottle of Body Armor has 21 grams of sugar and 70 calories, while the same size Gatorade has 34 grams of sugar and 140 calories. However, Gatorade offers a wider range of electrolyte levels and has more research backing its effectiveness. Ultimately, both drinks are best reserved for prolonged, intense exercise and not everyday hydration.

Takeaways

Body Armor is a popular sports drink that contains electrolytes, vitamins, and natural sweeteners like cane sugar, erythritol, and stevia. It comes in several product lines with different nutrient profiles and flavors.
While marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional sports drinks, Body Armor is still a sugary beverage that should be consumed in moderation. A 16-ounce bottle contains 21 grams of added sugar.
Body Armor may be beneficial for athletes engaging in prolonged, intense exercise, especially in the heat. The electrolytes and carbohydrates can help replace losses and provide energy. However, it is not necessary for the average person’s hydration needs.
Potential risks of drinking too much Body Armor include excess sugar intake, digestive issues from sugar alcohols, interactions with certain medications, and dental erosion from acidity.
When choosing a Body Armor product, consider your activity level, read the nutrition facts and ingredient list carefully, and select flavors you enjoy. The Body Armor Lyte line is lowest in calories and sugar.
For most people, plain water is the healthiest choice for staying hydrated. Sports drinks like Body Armor are best reserved for prolonged, high-intensity exercise and not consumed in excess.