Is Bodyarmor Healthy, Actually? What Science Says

Origin of Bodyarmor

Mike Repole initially created Bodyarmor. Together with Lance Collins, the brand and company were founded in 2011. Later, Coca-Cola took notice and decided to invest in a small amount of shares in 2018.

By November 2021, Coca-Cola had made the decision to acquire the remaining 85 percent of the shares in order to obtain the company in its entirety. The drink is now being marketed as its flagship sports beverage.

Is Bodyarmor an Energy Drink?

In a word, no. Whereas energy drinks are commonly used for a short-term energy boost, usually by providing large amounts of caffeine and sugar, sports drinks focus mainly on hydration. This is done by replacing electrolytes and lost fluids.

Though Bodyarmor Edge does contain caffeine, it also offers the electrolytes needed for heightened hydration. This is what sets it apart from energy drinks. Other products offered by Bodyarmor focus specifically on replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes without the added caffeine.

What Sets Bodyarmor Apart From Other Sports Drinks?

Incredibly, Bodyarmor uses only natural sweeteners, flavorings, and colorants. This makes it different from most other sports drinks, which often use artificial alternatives. Instead, Bodyarmour uses vegetable and fruit extracts and completely natural sweetening agents.

Also, all Bodyarmor products provide predominately potassium electrolytes. Though it may contain sodium, another electrolyte, it is at a much lower content level than many other leading brands. The body absorbs potassium easier and faster than sodium, as most people already have a high level of sodium.

Bodyarmor also nourishes the body with more antioxidants and contains a higher B-vitamin profile than many other leading sports drink brands. We will take a closer look at the health benefits of these later in this article.

Is There a Bodyarmor Product to Suit Everyone?

Below, we will discuss the many variants, benefits, and differences of Bodyarmor's extensive product range. This should help in assisting you to choose which one may be most suitable for your specific needs and tastes.

There are currently seven main products offered by Bodyarmor, each assisting with different hydration needs. Each of these comes in numerous different flavors, each with its own specific applications. Let’s take a look at which could be best for you:

Bodyarmor SPORTS DRINK

• Pineapple coconut
• Watermelon strawberry
• Tropical-punch
• Blackout berry
• Strawberry banana
• Fruit punch
• Orange mango
• Cherry lime
• Blue Raspberry  
• Strawberry grape 

Each of these provides the supreme hydration that Bodyarmor is known for, with 530mg of potassium and 30mg of sodium. Notably, the SPORTS DRINK product does contain 21g of sugar per 12oz, so it may not be ideal for the sugar-conscious or diabetically inclined. However, these amounts may vary slightly, depending on the flavor. Also, it contains coconut water, which provides other health benefits; we will discuss this later in this article. 

Bodyarmor LYTE

This is perfect for those looking for something less sugary. These flavors include:

• Tropical coconut
• Berry punch
• Orange clementine
• Strawberry banana lyte
• Kiwi strawberry
• Dragon fruit berry
• Peach mango
• Strawberry Lemonade
• Blueberry pomegranate

LYTE contains only 2g of sugar per 16oz bottle. This low-sugar alternative still packs 530mg of potassium and 30mg of sodium. However, these amounts may vary slightly, depending on the flavor. Bodyarmor LYTE also contains coconut water.

Bodyarmor ZERO SUGAR

This is the ultimate choice for those looking to cut sodium, sugar, and carbohydrates completely from their diet. This is without losing the refreshing taste of a sports drink. It is currently offered in four flavors:

• Cherry lime
• Fruit punch
• Orange
• Lemon lime

While containing zero sodium, sugar, and carbs, it amazingly still provides 620mg of potassium per 16oz.

Bodyarmor EDGE

Next, Bodyarmor Edge contains 140mg of added caffeine per 28.03oz serving. This gives that extra energy boost when needed, though it is not recommended for children. It provides a massive 1440mg of electrolytes for ultimate rehydration. Its four current flavors are:

• Grape
• Tropical punch
• Blue Raspberry
• Strawberry

Bodyarmour Flash I.V.

This one has a whopping 2,290mg of electrolytes per 20oz bottle. This is divided into half potassium and half sodium. This is paired with added zinc, C vitamins, and B vitamins for immune system support. It comes in the following flavors:

• Strawberry kiwi
• Tropical punch
• Grape
• Fruit punch
• Cucumber lime
• Orange

It also contains coconut water and 15mg of sugar.

Bodyarmor FLASH I.V. STICKS

These are a portable, yet still extremely convenient, way to get the hydration you need. Packaged in powdered form, it still delivers 2,220 mg+ of electrolytes without any sugar. Importantly, it also boosts the immune system with added zinc, B vitamins, and vitamin C. It is most effective when combined with Bodyarmor SPORTSWATER. There are five delicious flavors:

• Cucumber lime
• Lemon lime
• Tropical punch
• Strawberry kiwi
• Grape

Simply adding any of these flavors to your water provides the extra hydration needed for an active life.

Bodyarmor SPORTSWATER

The sportswater is purified using reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis water is also used in all liquid Bodyarmor products. This process removes up to 99 percent of all impurities. Furthermore, it has an alkaline pH level, possibly reducing acidic bloodstream levels. This may prevent some diseases, such as cancer. It also contains many electrolytes to assist in hydration. It is designed to perfectly complement Bodyarmor FLASH I.V. STICKS. Bodyarmor Sportswater is packaged in the following bottle sizes:

• 20oz
• 700ml
• 1 litre
• 1.5 litre
• 1-litre six-pack

For those looking to keep their team hydrated, the TEAM PACK is also available. This contains eight bottles of SPORTS DRINK, with the same superior hydration at a discounted price. Also, it is still offered in all the varieties of delectable flavors.

Is Bodyarmor Healthy for You?

As part of a nutritionally balanced diet, yes. Bodyarmor products provide a substantial increase in hydration, replacing lost electrolytes while providing extra vitamins and minerals for the immune system and bodily function support. Let’s take a closer look at how these benefit an active lifestyle:

• Also commonly known as Retinol, vitamin A helps in assisting against defending against many common illnesses.
• Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid assists in healing wounds and also helps in keeping cartilage, bones, blood vessels, and skin healthy.
• Also known as Niacin, vitamin B3 helps with skin health, your digestive system, and your nervous system.
• Vitamin B5: Calcium D-Pantothenate improves the creation of new red blood cells. It also helps the adrenal glands produce stress and sex-related hormones. This vitamin also assists the body in breaking down energy-producing carbohydrates, which provide energy and assist in weight control.
• Alpha-tocopherol acetate, vitamin E nourishes the skin, preventing it from free radical damage. Also, it lowers the chance of brain disorders, vision problems, cancers, and heart disease.
• Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine Hydrochloride increases hair growth, prevents hair loss, and may reverse greying.
• Folic Acid, vitamin B9 is essential in healthy cell growth and function, a necessity for creating red blood cells. Also, vitamin B9 is important in pregnancy, reducing and preventing brain and spine birth defects.
• Vitamin B12: Cyanocobalamin helps to boost energy levels, and increase red cell production. Also, vitamin B12 can improve your memory and create healthy DNA.
• Electrolytes: Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, and Zinc Oxide are all electrolytes contained in Bodyarmor products. These increase the body's ability to hydrate and regulate muscle and nerve function. Furthermore, electrolytes assist in rebuilding tissue damage and balance blood pressure and acidity.

Bodyarmor Affiliates and Sponsorships

Bodyarmor has partnered with many well-known athletes, some of whom include:

• Naomi Osaka, a previously number one ranked tennis WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) player.
• Klay Alexander Thompson is a four-time NBA Champion and one of history’s best three-point shooters.
• Rob Gronkowski, a four-time Super Bowl champion holding two NFL records.
• Skyler Diggins-Smith, a six time WNBA all-star.
• Mike Trout, an eleven-time MLB (Major League Baseball) all-star and three-time American League MVP
• Sydney Leroux is a Canadian-born soccer player and gold medalist.
• Ryan Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup series champion, drives for Team Penske in his No.12 Mustang, Dark Horse.

Bodyarmors’ sponsorships include being the official sports drink for the baseball team Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the UFC. They are also the official drink for the NCAA and Major League Soccer.

So, Should You Drink Bodyarmor?

Bodyarmor is a great addition to sports and daily life nutrition. It provides many essential vitamins and promotes excellent hydration. As with all supplementary products, it should be consumed within reasonable limits. Hopefully, this article has helped you find out if Bodyarmor is healthy and which Bodyarmor best suits your needs and tastes.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Pheelings media/Shutterstock.com.