Is there evidence of PFAS “forever chemicals” or fluoride in your favorite powdered electrolytes? Members of the Mamavation community have raised concerns about these chemicals in their favorite electrolyte products in order to protect their families from potential health risks. As there have been no independent studies published on this topic, we decided to send several products to an EPA-certified lab for testing.
If you have trusted Mamavation for consumer studies on PFAS in products like yoga pants, sports bras, and soft contact lenses, then you’ll want to join us for our latest study on PFAS and fluoride in powdered electrolytes.
This study was conducted in partnership with Environmental Health News and reviewed by experts in the field of environmental health. Donations from Environmental Health News and Mamavation community members helped fund this study. Please note that Mamavation has only tested a selection of products, and we cannot make claims about brands or products that were not included in our study.
Our findings revealed that 23% of the electrolyte products tested had indications of PFAS or fluoride, with 9 out of 40 products showing detections of total fluorine. The lab reported total fluorine levels ranging from 10 to 112 parts per million. All products with detections were either retested or replaced to ensure consistency.
Experts warn about the health effects of PFAS and fluoride, emphasizing the importance of avoiding products with these chemicals, especially for pregnant women and children who may use electrolytes daily. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health issues, from immune system suppression to metabolic diseases and cancer.
It’s crucial to be aware of the presence of PFAS in everyday products and take steps to reduce exposure. Our study sheds light on the potential risks associated with PFAS and fluoride in powdered electrolytes, providing valuable information for consumers looking to make informed choices about their health and well-being.
As a result, these impacts are widespread across the country.
Terrence Collins, Teresa Heinz Professor of Green Chemistry and Director of the Institute for Green Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, expressed his views on the potential of PFAS in electrolytes:
“Many experts in the field of chemical impacts on public health believe that PFAS compounds should be banned altogether – myself included. Once you consume PFAS ‘forever chemicals,’ your body lacks the necessary cleansing mechanisms. PFAS compounds will accumulate in your system if you consume contaminated electrolytes.
The discovery of 9 out of 40 contaminated products is significant and leads me to the conclusion that manufacturers of PFAS-free electrolytes should, as a public service, begin labeling their products as ‘PFAS-free.’
However, Mamavation’s 10 ppm quantification limit is quite high and producers should strive to lower that number through more expensive testing to demonstrate the safety and sustainability of their products. Therefore, mothers should take advantage of this Mamavation study by selecting electrolyte products that are PFAS-free.”
• Fluoride – Should it be included in electrolytes or drinking water? – In May 2020, a group of 25 scientists published a meta-analysis on inorganic fluoride. These scientists clearly stated that “fluoride is a human developmental neurotoxicant that reduces measures of intelligence in children, placing it in the same category as toxic metals (lead, methylmercury, arsenic) and polychlorinated biphenyls.”
Prior to that, in 2019, a study was conducted on 512 Canadian pregnant mothers and their children, with IQ tests taken of the children at 3 to 4 years of age. The results showed that fluoride levels in drinking water may have reduced the children’s IQ by 3 to 4 points. These findings highlight the importance of reducing fluoride intake in tap water during pregnancy.
Despite mounting evidence of fluorinated drinking water affecting IQ points in American children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to support fluoride in drinking water, toothpaste, and dental treatments for cavity prevention in children.
Our experts do not recommend the addition of fluoride in drinking water or electrolytes. Watch the video below, created by Dr. Bruce Lanphear at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, to understand why fluoride and PFAS should be avoided for fetuses, infants, and toddlers.”
These contaminants can have a detrimental impact on babies’ IQ points, and should not be present in anyone’s brain. Therefore, when choosing electrolyte products, opt for brands identified by Mamavation’s research as having the lowest levels of PFAS and fluoride.
What Are Electrolyte Replacement Drinks and Why Are They Necessary
Electrolyte replacement drinks are essentially supplements that provide the ideal balance of salts and minerals necessary for nerve, heart, and muscle function. Electrolytes are vital for maintaining the balance of pressure within our cells and the pH of our blood. Common electrolytes include:
– Sodium
– Potassium
– Chloride
– Magnesium
– Calcium
– Phosphate
– Bicarbonates
When your body is depleted due to excessive alcohol consumption, illness, or intense physical activity, electrolyte replacement drinks can help restore balance. However, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before starting any supplement regimen, including electrolytes.
• Individuals Who Benefit from Electrolyte Replacement Drinks – Athletes, individuals engaging in strenuous physical activity, those experiencing hangovers, and individuals with various illnesses that can lead to electrolyte imbalances can benefit from electrolyte replacement drinks. It is important to be monitored by a doctor to avoid complications from improper use.
• Why Are Electrolyte Products Necessary for Dehydration? – Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, impacting normal bodily functions. Factors contributing to dehydration include inadequate water intake, hot weather, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and intense physical activity. Mild to moderate dehydration can be managed at home with rehydration drinks, such as electrolyte drinks, to alleviate symptoms like thirst, fatigue, muscle weakness, and more.
If left untreated, dehydration can lead to complications, including death. Treatment typically involves increasing water intake and using rehydration drinks like electrolyte drinks. Mamavation’s research aims to identify electrolyte drinks with minimal additives for optimal hydration.
Other Problematic Ingredients Found in Powdered Electrolyte Replacement Drinks
During our evaluation of the ingredient panels of electrolyte powders, we identified several additional ingredients. Here are some additional ingredients you should be aware of and steer clear of.
Artificial colors – These chemicals are used to enhance the appearance of food on store shelves but are associated with negative health effects. One study even linked artificial dyes to hyperactivity in school children.
Studies have shown that artificial colors can hinder DNA repair and eliminating them, along with preservatives like sodium benzoate, has shown improvements in children’s behavior. Research on lab animals has also found a connection between artificial dyes and certain cancers.
Artificial flavors – Animal studies suggest that synthetic flavors may have adverse health effects on humans as well. Synthetic flavors have been linked to toxicity in bone marrow cells and inhibition of cell division. These chemicals are typically derived from petroleum.
Food additives – The Cleveland Clinic warns that consuming too many additives, especially in processed foods, can increase the risk of obesity and various health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.
Natural flavors – This common term on food labels can include synthetic ingredients and processes, making the end product nearly synthetic. The lack of disclosure on what constitutes a “natural flavor” can be concerning, especially for those with allergies and sensitivities.
Sucralose – Marketed as Splenda, this artificial sweetener is made from sugar but has been linked to elevated blood glucose levels and a reduction in healthy gut bacteria. It is not recommended for baking due to potential release of harmful compounds when heated.
Acesulfame K (Acesulfame potassium) – This artificial sweetener, 200 times sweeter than sugar, is deemed safe by the FDA but has been associated with cognitive issues. It is found in sugar-free products, including diet sodas.
Mamavation has conducted studies on various products for indications of PFAS “forever chemicals,” including powdered electrolytes. Other products tested include soft contact lenses, makeup, dental floss, and more.
A recent study by Mamavation found indications of PFAS and fluoride in popular powdered electrolytes, raising concerns about their safety. Testing methods included marker testing for total fluorine to detect the presence of PFAS and fluoride.
Results showed that all tested brands had products with detectable levels of fluorine above the 10 ppm detection limit, indicating potential presence of harmful chemicals. This text discusses the various forms of fluorine that can be found, including PFAS “forever chemicals,” inorganic fluoride, fluoropolymers, other fluorochemicals like non-PFAS fluorine-containing pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.
It then goes on to list the total fluorine content of various electrolyte drink mixes, highlighting those with non-detectable levels of fluorine. The text also mentions other ingredients present in these products, such as artificial colors, undisclosed flavors, additives, preservatives, or any other potentially concerning ingredients.
Finally, it lists additional electrolyte drink mixes with non-detectable levels of fluorine, along with their ingredients, emphasizing their suitability as options for hydration without concerns about fluorine content. Estos productos tampoco contienen ingredientes problemáticos, incluyendo haber revelado todos sus sabores o su origen.
Mezcla hidratante de electrolitos de sandía Cure – No detectar fluoruro total (Ingredientes: Polvo de agua de coco, polvo de jugo de sandía, ácido cítrico no transgénico, sal rosa del Himalaya, sabor a sandía, citrato de sodio, extracto de stevia, polvo de jugo de limón, polvo de jugo de remolacha, extracto de fruta del monje)
Polvo de electrolitos de bienestar de Earthley – No detectar fluoruro total (Ingredientes: Azúcar de arce orgánico, sal rosa del Himalaya y cremor tártaro.) (Usa el código de descuento “MAMAVATION” para obtener un 10% de descuento en los productos)
Electrolitos diarios GoodOnya Hydrate + Minerales – No detectar fluoruro total (Ingredientes: Polvo de limón orgánico, aquamin, minerales marinos de magnesio, polvo de agua de coco orgánico, extracto de hoja de stevia orgánico, sal rosa del Himalaya, ácido ascórbico no transgénico (vitamina C))
Polvo de electrolitos Keto K1000 de sandía – No detectar fluoruro total (Ingredientes: Lactato de calcio, citrato de magnesio, sal marina, citrato de potasio, ácido cítrico anhidro, sabor natural a sandía, ácido málico, fibra de arroz y stevia)
Electrolitos diarios Livinggood Energyze – No detectar fluoruro total (Ingredientes: Vitamina C (como ácido ascórbico), magnesio (como malato de dimagnesio), cloruro (como cloruro de sodio), sodio (como cloruro de sodio), potasio (como bicarbonato de potasio), d-ribosa, fos (fructooligosacáridos), l-taurina, n-acetil l-tirosina, acetil l-carnitina (como hidrocloruro de acetil l-carnitina), l-teanina, complejo de bioflavonoides cítricos, quercetina (como dihidrato de quercetina).)
Otros ingredientes: Ácido cítrico, maltodextrina de tapioca orgánica, sabores naturales de limón-lima y naranja, extracto de hoja de stevia orgánica, extracto de fruta de luo han guo orgánica (fruta del monje)
Hidratación diaria esencial Nectar Wild Berry – No detectar fluoruro total (Ingredientes: Baya orgánica, citrato de potasio, ácido málico no transgénico, citrato de magnesio, citrato de calcio, sal rosa del Himalaya, stevia orgánica)
Mezcla de electrolitos Re-Lyte de Redmond – No detectar fluoruro total (Ingredientes: Calcio, malato de magnesio, glicinato de magnesio, cloruro, sodio, citrato de potasio, polvo de agua de coco)
Mezcla de bebida de hidratación deportiva Skratch Labs con naranjas – No detectar fluoruro total (Ingredientes: Azúcar de caña, dextrosa, citrato de sodio, ácido cítrico, lactato de magnesio, citrato de calcio, citrato de potasio, aceite de naranja, ácido ascórbico)
Sales de rehidratación oral Trioral – No detectar fluoruro total (Ingredientes: Glucosa, citrato trisódico anhidro 13.5g, dihidrato 2.9g cloruro de sodio 2.6g cloruro de potasio 1.5g)
Polvo de electrolitos de reemplazo Ultima Replenisher – No detectar fluoruro total (Ingredientes: Citrato de magnesio, ácido cítrico, fosfato dipotásico, ácido málico, aspartato de potasio, sabor natural a sandía, citrato de calcio, ascorbato de calcio, polvo de frutas y verduras (color), sal (cloruro de sodio), rebaudiósido A, citrato de zinc, citrato de manganeso)
Acerca del autor
Leah Segedie es la Presidenta y Fundadora de Mamavation.com. Mamavation produce contenido galardonado y estudios de consumidores independientes que examinan la intersección de productos químicos disruptores endocrinos (EDCs) y productos cotidianos que entran en los hogares estadounidenses. Muchos se refieren a ella como “la verdadera FDA”.
Desde 2008, Mamavation ha estado ayudando a las mamás de todos los días a navegar por el supermercado encargando estudios de consumidores sobre alimentos, bebidas, productos de cuidado personal y otros productos similares, democratizando así la ciencia y las pruebas para todos.