Dr. Robert Cook - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Robert Cook

Is Gatorade G2 Bad For You?


Grade

F


Short answer

Yes, Gatorade G2 is bad for you. The sports drink contains many unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients.

Grade

F

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Gatorade markets G2 as being low-calorie and per their website, “Our lightest way to help replace what you sweat out. G2 hydrates with the same electrolyte formula of Gatorade Thirst Quencher, but has less than half the carbs and calories of the Original G.” However, the product contains many unnecessary ingredients that do nothing to replenish the nutrients we lose during an intense workout.

Despite the defenders of sucralose (Splenda-esq artificial sweetener), the jury is still out on whether or not it is as safe as some deem it to be. However, there’s no disputing that it is completely unnecessary, even more so if it does lead to cancer and other negative health concerns. Monopotassium phosphate can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, and over a period of extended consumption can draw calcium from the bones making one more susceptible to injuries. Oh right, monopotassium phosphate is also used as a fertilizer.

Acesulfame potassium is simply present to make the drink sweeter. Long-term consumption can lead to stomach pain, depression, and possibly even negative effects on the liver and kidneys. For a substance that is completely unnecessary, these risks are not worth a sweeter drink. Ace-K has also been shown to cause thyroid damage in lab animals.

G2, along with numerous other Gatorade products, all have food coloring that has been linked to various health risks, including hyperactivity in children (leading to ADHD diagnosis and unneeded medication), altered cognitive function, and cancer. This is also another unnecessary addition that doesn’t provide any health benefits and increases the risks of G2.

While Gatorade can lean on “inconclusive results” on whether or not some of their G2 ingredients are dangerous, it’s clearly obvious that they are absolutely unnecessary for a product that is supposed to be geared towards bettering your recovery time, and helping you reduce your intake of those pesky carbs (which can actually be great for you) and added sugar. There’s no question that the company is powerful and knows how to market its many products – however, that does not mean they should be blindly trusted.


Possible short-term side effects

  • hyperactivity
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • nausea
  • headaches

Possible long-term side effects

  • low blood pressure
  • reduced calcium in bones
  • liver & kidney problems
  • cancer

Ingredients to be aware of


Healthier alternatives

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

NOOMA Organic Electrolyte Drink

  • Organic hydration
  • Coconut water enriched
  • No added sugar
  • Only 30 calories
  • Electrolyte replenishment
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 05-26-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 05-26-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023




Related
Random Page

Check These Out!