It’s no secret that consumer dietary supplement compliance can be a trick. Saying you take dietary supplements is one thing, actually sticking to a daily routine is another. But what if you could make your supplement routine fun? Today, slightly more consumers say they would rather eat or drink their vitamins and probiotics than swallow them in the form of a pill, according to the Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) 2023 Functional Food and Beverage Report. And with NBJ projecting that the functional foods and beverage marketplace will reach more than $106 billion in 2026, these numbers mean, there’s a lot of room for fun and innovation.

Fx Chocolate^® saw this increase in demand for new ways to take supplements as a sign to give consumers what they want. Created to transform how people view self-care, Fx Chocolate^® turns the daily wellness ritual into a rewarding experience. By delivering therapeutic amounts of science-backed nutrients in delicious and indulgent forms, it makes self-care a pleasure rather than a chore.

Dr. David Brady, Chief Medical Officer at Designs for Health, is well-acquainted with the challenges patients face in sticking to their routines. “As a functional and naturopathic medicine practitioner for over 30 years, I am no stranger to the challenges of helping patients in their compliance with taking their supplements … If you can make taking supplements a treat or a bit of a healthy indulgence by placing them in a delicious healthy chocolate, then that is a home run. Fx products have been just that for my practice,” he says.

Fx focuses on innovation

Still, you might wonder, how do supplements in chocolate work? To start, Fx Chocolate^® products source ingredients from Designs for Health^® (DFH), a family-owned supplement company with 35+ years of experience. Throughout production, Fx Chocolate^® adheres to strict quality standards, including verified Certificates of Analysis (COA) and thorough product testing. The latter means, whether it’s collagen peptides, magnesium or immune-support products, customers never have to guess if the amount of an ingredient listed on the package is actually included in the product. “Fx” draws inspiration from the word “Rx,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to providing clinically relevant supplements in a convenient, enjoyable format. “The ‘F’ stands for ‘functional’,” says Brady, highlighting the brand’s focus on delivering real health benefits.

Beyond using clinically relevant and patented ingredients, Fx focuses on nutritional integrity and clean ingredients. For example, the brand uses conscientiously traded cocoa in its chocolate products and is mindful of sugar, exclusively using the sweetener Allulose— a sweetening agent found in many sweet-tasting fruits like jackfruit, figs and raisins, with no bitterness or unpleasant aftertaste. Allulose has a glycemic index of zero, meaning it won’t impact blood glucose levels, and it’s also nearly calorie-free, with 1/10th the calories of traditional table sugar.

New product, new use case

An increasing number of Americans are making functional foods and beverages part of their daily, or at least weekly, routines. According to NBJ’s 2023 Functional Food and Beverage Report, nearly half of consumers say they purchase functional products at least once a week, while 14% do so every day. Fx aimed to develop products that effortlessly integrate into consumers’ lives, making it not only easy to stick to a routine but also enjoyable.

This is where the fun begins. With a supplement bar, instead of having to remember to take a pill or powder and then eat a protein bar after a workout, Fx Chocolate^® has combined the functional benefits of a chosen supplement with a delicious and enjoyable bar, catching two birds with one stone.

For consumers looking for a little more fun and flavor in their supplement routines, FX Chocolate^® has chocolates, gummies and bars that fit the bill. The brand’s dedication to clean, functional ingredients and innovative product formats sets it apart from other supplement brands and appeals to the changing consumer mindset around functional foods—proving that supplements can be appetizing and enjoyable, while being beneficial, too.

“Consumers may be unfamiliar with trying supplements in a new format like this. We worked hard to formulate these bars so that they not only taste good, but they provide the outcomes consumers are looking for. The functional amounts and innovative ingredients we include do just that,” shares Sara Orrego, brand manager at Fx Chocolate^®.

Fx’s new lineup of bars features inviting flavors and impressive benefits, with just 1g of sugar and sweetened with allulose:

Different format, same proven benefits

While bars are the newest product in Fx Chocolate’s lineup, the brand has multiple products, based on its original supplement chocolates, which perfectly blend indulgence with functionality and fit into other routines, too. These offerings include products with patented and clinically trialed ingredients, as well as classics like Vitamin D3. In the lineup, you’ll find Exhale, made with ingredients like GABA and L-theanine for the ultimate chill pill, Defend, which features Reishi mushroom and GanoUltra™ for immune support, and Dream, which contains melatonin and 5-HTP, while Vitamin D3 and K are served together in Sunshine^*. No matter your preference, each easy-to-consume, zero grams of sugar, result-focused chocolate supplement is backed by science and rigorous testing.

For those who prefer gummies, Immune Champ™ and Everyday Multi gummies, both feature Allulose. Specifically, Immune Champ™ contains more than the percent daily value (%DV) of Vitamin C and D, 5mg of zinc and 100mg of elderberry extract, all with a tangy passionfruit flavor. While Fx’s multi offers daily support and includes 19 essential vitamins and minerals inspired by ancestral diets, along with organic Canadian wild blueberry extract, citrus bioflavonoids, a unique form of Vitamin E and other goodies combined in a mango orange flavor.

For consumers looking for a little more fun and flavor in their supplement routines, Fx Chocolate^® has chocolates, gummies and bars that fit the bill. The brand’s dedication to clean, functional ingredients and innovative product formats sets it apart from other supplement brands and appeals to the changing consumer mindset around functional foods––proving that supplements can be appetizing and enjoyable, while being beneficial, too.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The dietary supplement industry is a $60 billion industry in the United States alone, and it’s growing. For many it’s a source to improve their lifestyle.

From easing nerve pain to reducing memory loss, there is likely a supplement that claims big results, but are they safe? Before you self-prescribe, know that there are risks that could land you in medical trouble if you’re not aware.

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Elizabeth Jones of Knoxville started researching which supplements could help improve her health a few years ago.

“So, I got on a path to really learn about nutrition more during COVID, when we couldn’t do much, I got on the computer and got certified in health and wellness,” she said.

Jones said she’s been pleased with what she has found, “Collagen is good for skin, bones, all those kinds of things, also for hair regrowth. I was losing my hair a few years ago. Started taking this within a month, I saw some good results from that.”

But buyers should beware  – the supplement industry isn’t held to the same standards as medications.

“When you buy a supplement at a drugstore or at a supplement store, there is not the same type of regulation that you have when you buy an over-the-counter medicine. It is absolutely night and day,” Lee Murphy, University of Tennessee Distinguished lecturer and registered dietitian, said.

Murphy says supplements can be helpful for those who have nutritional gaps.

“So, you know, the market is so saturated with a million brands. You know, if you go to Walmart, you go to any of these stores, there are so many brands,” she said. “Everybody says it’s all natural. How do you make sure that you’re taking something that is going to be okay for your body? Because the regulations aren’t the same as medicines under that prescription.”

Murphy walked us through ways to ensure what you’re buying stacks up to its promise.

“If you are walking down the aisle, you heard this was a good supplement on social media or your friend or whomever, and you thought, I don’t know where to start,” she said. “Having this seal is helpful. And so there’s one called USP that stands for US Pharmacopeia, in particular, is basically their third party groups that go in and make sure that what is stated on the label is what’s in the product that you’re consuming. It basically gives the consumer a little added protection.”

It’s a concern Jones says she’s mindful of, “I’m no expert in it. I just read and find what it says. I also have to sort out what companies, you know, what’s their end game? If they’re smaller, Mom and Pop kind of people, and they have good reviews.”

Manager of Integrated Pharmacy at Summit Medical Group Jesse Reed says social media posts on supplements are driving curious buyers to pharmacies.

“With the birth of TikTok and, you know, it used to just be dr oz right out there promoting some of these products, but now we’re getting different information streams,” Reed said.

Before you stock up, Reed says it’s important your doctor is aware of any supplements you’re taking. He’s seen what happens when you don’t.

“So they [a patient] decided to supplement with something that was over the counter called ashwagandha, very common. Lots of patients are currently taking it with success, but because they were on a medication already for depression when they took it, there was an interaction that ended up having some muscular skeletal issues, or musculoskeletal interactions,” said Reed.

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And there are multiple examples of potentially harmful supplement and medication combinations.

“The real answer is to find out exactly what you need. You would actually need to have blood work done with your provider, and so I highly recommend if you’re suspecting that you’re extremely low on vitamin D, because it’s the winter and you haven’t had sunlight. Before, you choose to take 5000, 10,000, 2000 IU, 400 right? All these strengths are available, but we won’t know what’s right for you without looking at your blood work or having that conversation with your provider,” Reed said.

It’s a conversation that will keep you on the path to good health. Here are some resources with information on supplement evaluations:

• eatright.org

• ods.od.nih.gov

• fda.gov

• consumerlab.com

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Trendy hydration supplements have been a booming market over the last decade, with Liquid I.V. being one of them. Backed by celebrity investors and touted as “THE” hydration supplement for influencers across social media, Liquid I.V. has grown exponentially in just five years, with products sold nationwide at chains such as Target, Costco, Whole Foods, CVS, and more.

Given that approximately 60% of the adult human body is water, it makes sense that individuals are interested in optimizing their hydration status. After all, dehydration can lead to a cascade of health problems, from fatigue and dizziness to more serious complications, such as tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and breathing impairments.

But is Liquid I.V. really the right choice for you to meet your hydration needs? In this piece, we’ll cover just what Liquid I.V. is and if it’s good for you.

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What Ingredients Are In Liquid I.V.?

As with most supplements on the market, there are a variety of options in the Liquid I.V. family to meet your personal health needs. From their standard Hydration Multiplier variety, to infused options that claim to support immune health, gut health, energy, and sleep, there’s something for everyone in the mix.

The standard Hydration Multiplier variety of Liquid I.V. includes:

• Cane sugar
• Dextrose
• Citric acid
• Salt
• Potassium citrate
• Sodium citrate
• Dipotassium phosphate
• Silicon dioxide
• Stevia leaf extract (rebaudioside A)
• Vitamin blend: vitamin c (ascorbic acid), vitamin b3 (niacinamide), vitamin b5 (calcium d-pantothenate), vitamin b6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin b12 (cyanocobalamin)
• Natural flavors

Similar to other popular hydration brands, there is also a sugar-free option available to the Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier, which substitutes cane sugar and dextrose for allulose, and adds L-glutamine and L-alanine. Allulose is a sugar substitute, meaning it offers the sweetness of sugar without the calories.

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Nutritional Profile of Liquid I.V.

Liquid I.V. Lemon-Lime Hydration Multiplier

Nutrition (Per 1 stick (16 g) serving):
Calories: 50
Fat: 0 g (Saturated fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 560 mg
Carbs: 13 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 11 g)
Protein: 0 g

This option also provides 8% of the daily value for potassium; 70% of the daily value for vitamin C; 120% of the daily value for niacin; 110% of the daily value for vitamin B6; 240% of the daily value for vitamin B12; and 190% of the daily value for pantothenic acid.

Liquid I.V. Lemon-Lime Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free

Nutrition (Per 1 stick (13 g) serving):
Calories: 20
Fat: 0 g (Saturated fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 530 mg
Carbs: 5 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 0 g

The sugar-free option also provides 8% of the daily value for potassium; 70% of the daily value for vitamin C; 120% of the daily value for niacin; 110% of the daily value for vitamin B6; 240% of the daily value for vitamin B12; and 190% of the daily value for pantothenic acid.

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Health Benefits of Liquid I.V.

Hydration Support

There’s no question that Liquid I.V. isn’t a solid player in hydration support. In fact, Liquid I.V. is classified as an oral rehydration solution (ORS) by the World Health Organization. This means that Liquid I.V.’s unique blend of nutrients supports replenishing hydration losses through its combination of both glucose (sugar) and electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and phosphorus.)

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Offers a Safety Net of Nutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals

Each packet of Liquid I.V. offers a unique blend of vitamins and minerals to optimize your nutrient intakes. For instance, there are 9 vitamins and minerals added to both the regular and sugar-free versions of the Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier, with potassium in both. Potassium has been listed as a nutrient of public health concern based on consumption in the average American diet, making its inclusion in Liquid I.V. a stellar benefit.

To help boost the absorption of the electrolytes in the sugar-free version since glucose is not used (a carrier that helps get the electrolytes into the cell), two additional amino acids are used (L-alanine and L-glutamate.) Research shows that using an electrolyte amino acid beverage may help increase cellular hydration even better than an electrolyte carbohydrate beverage.

Supplies Energy

Glucose, another word for sugar, is a necessary fuel for the body’s daily activities. Since the standard Liquid I.V. product offers 50 calories thanks to the 11 grams of added sugar, this product is a welcomed addition for those athletes in need of glucose intakes during a workout to provide the energy required to complete their training.

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Supports Electrolyte Balance

When you sweat, your body loses important electrolytes needed to keep your body’s fluid in balance. Sipping on Liquid I.V. during and after a workout may help replenish the depleted electrolytes from training, offering a rebalance of your body’s fluid. This is crucial to ensure your basic body functions, like your pulse, remain steady.

Potential Drawbacks of Liquid I.V.

Significant Source of Added Sugar

If you’re sipping on Liquid I.V. as you mindlessly munch, watching the latest Netflix series simply because you saw your favorite influencer recommend it, then that’s not necessarily going to help you meet your goals. Note, the regular Hydration Multiplier packs 11 grams of added sugar, which is roughly 44% of the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended intake of 25 grams of added sugar per day. If you’re not mindful of your other added sugar choices during the day, you can easily exceed the recommended intake, creating an energy surplus that may lead to weight gain and increase your risk of developing other contraindicated conditions.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

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Risk of Exceeding Vitamin & Mineral Needs

Just because Liquid I.V. packs 240% of the daily value of vitamin B12 and 190% of the daily value for pantothenic acid doesn’t mean your body can utilize it. These two nutrients are water-soluble vitamins, meaning there is little risk of exceeding the recommended dietary intakes for them, however there is also little use. In this case, excess intakes are excreted in the urine, potentially having your hard earned cash literally “flushed down the toilet” in the name of hydration.

Potential for Nutrient Shortfalls

Relying on Liquid I.V. as a source of your daily dose of electrolytes during or after a tough workout may be worthwhile, , but using it as a substitute for a balanced, whole foods diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Take protein, for example—it’s essential for muscle growth and recovery, yet Liquid I.V. doesn’t include this macronutrient in its formula. Prioritizing a variety of whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables is key to proper nourishment.

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Is Liquid I.V. Good For You?

While Liquid I.V. is good for you as a source of electrolytes for active individuals, athletes, and those needing oral rehydration, it’s not necessarily something every person needs to invest in, especially given the high cost.

That said, Liquid I.V. could be a useful addition for people who burn a lot of calories and sweat heavily during workouts. These individuals need both glucose and electrolytes to replenish their stores. It may also be helpful for someone recovering from illness with limited calorie intake, as the regular Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier can provide a solid option despite its 11 grams of added sugars.

On the other hand, someone who is moderately active or has insulin resistance might benefit more from the sugar-free Liquid I.V. variety. This option contains no added sugar and uses allulose as a sweetener, making it a potentially better fit for their energy and electrolyte needs.

At the end of the day, you don’t need to spend a ton of money on trendy supplements to stay hydrated. While Liquid I.V. may offer benefits, focusing on a balanced diet, including incorporating hydrating foods into your regular routine can provide similar advantages.

Working with a registered dietitian nutritionist is the best way to decipher your true hydration and electrolyte needs, as well as what may be worth investing in to optimize your workout recovery and total health.

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