Is Liquid IV Safe During Pregnancy? [Complete Guide] - Pregnancy Food Checker

Is Liquid IV Safe During Pregnancy? [Complete Guide]

Last Updated on March 14, 2023

Liquid IV is a popular brand that sells powdered products to boost the hydration level of your drinking water. Are these products safe – or necessary – during pregnancy?

Overall, Liquid IV products are safe for pregnant women to consume, except for the Sleep Multiplier. This product contains the herb valerian root, which is not known to be safe for pregnant women.

Additionally, it is essential to note that the Energy Multiplier contains caffeine.

Let’s dive into more specifics of the safety of various Liquid IV products. Read on to learn more!

Is Liquid IV Safe for Pregnant Women?

Liquid IV is generally safe for pregnant women in the recommended dosages.

Furthermore, proper hydration is very important for pregnancy. Severe dehydration during pregnancy can lead to serious complications, such as premature labor, low amniotic fluid, or neural tube defects (source: American Pregnancy Association).

woman pouring liquid iv powder in a glass of water

Signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine and feeling hot and overheated (source: American Pregnancy Association).

While Liquid IV is a good option for hydration, let’s go into depth into each of the different product lines of Liquid IV.

Hydration Multiplier

Hydration Multiplier is the company’s original product. It claims to contain triple the electrolyte content of traditional sports drinks.

In addition, it contains the following vitamins: B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin), and vitamin C. 

It also contains zinc, stevia leaf extract, silicon dioxide, dipotassium phosphate, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, salt, dextrose, and citric acid. 

These ingredients are safe for pregnant women and can help support adequate hydration. 

Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support

Hydration Multiplier is combined with Immune Support to create Liquid IV’s “Wellmune” formula, which includes beta-glucans. Beta-glucan is considered to be GRAS, or “Generally Recognized As Safe” (source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)). 

This means that the compound beta-glucan is safe for all, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

Energy Multiplier

Liquid IV’s Energy Multiplier has some implications for pregnant women.

One serving packet of Liquid IV Energy Multiplier contains a whopping 100 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to one or two cups of coffee. Pregnant women should consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day (source: Cleveland Clinic).

This recommendation refers to the total milligrams of caffeine in the entire day, including beverages, such as coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks, and foods, such as chocolate

A packet of Liquid I.V.’s Energy Multiplier already contains half of the daily recommendation. If you choose to have this product, make sure you are keeping track of your caffeine intake. 

Sleep Multiplier

The Liquid IV Sleep Multiplier contains a blend of melatonin, L-theanine, and valerian root.

The use of valerian root has not been extensively studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women for safety or efficacy (source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCIH]).

Therefore, it is best to avoid the Liquid IV Sleep Multiplier during pregnancy. 

pouring liquid IV in a glass of water

Liquid IV products each have their own considerations, but they are safe for pregnancy, except for the Sleep Multiplier.

Stick with no more than one packet serving per day and make sure to drink plenty of other fluids and water during the day to ensure adequate hydration.

If you feel any adverse effects from the electrolytes, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. 

So are these Liquid IV products even necessary for pregnant women? 

When you vomit or have diarrhea, which can be common during pregnancy, you lose both fluids and electrolytes, leading to dehydration.

Products like Liquid IV can be very important for women who experience morning sickness since they replenish and rebalance electrolytes after diarrhea or vomiting. 

Of course, it is also appropriate to hydrate with plain water. The American Pregnancy Association recommends consuming eight to twelve 8-ounce glasses of water each day. This recommendation is greater than typical needs outside of pregnancy. 

If you think you might be experiencing severe dehydration, consult a medical professional immediately. 

In conclusion, I hope you found this article helpful in breaking down the pros and cons of using Liquid IV during pregnancy. 

This article has been reviewed and approved for publication in line with our editorial policy.

Amy Kaczor, MS, RD

Amy Kaczor is a Registered Dietitian and full-time freelance writer based out of Chicago, Illinois. She is passionate about nutrition, health, and wellness, plus writing and sharing evidence-based information. Read more about our team here

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