Is Liquid I.V. Gluten-Free?

Celiac.com 10/12/2024 - We get a lot of questions about which products and brands are gluten-free. We especially get a lot of questions about sports drinks and electrolyte replacement. In this case, Liquid I.V., a popular electrolyte replacement product. Even with clear labeling and easy to find confirmation online via the company website, there appears to be confusion among some celiacs. We have seen a number of questions about this product over time. The answer is always the same: Yes, Liquid I.V. is gluten-free and safe for celiacs. 

The Liquid I.V. FAQ page on the company website says:

• "We test every single lot of our product for gluten to ensure they meet FDA standards for gluten-free. These tests are performed at an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory using the ELISA method."

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They also address claims that some home test kits showed positive results for Liquid I.V. 

Why is Liquid I.V. testing positive for gluten when I test it using my at-home testing kit?

• "Based on findings from an ISO globally-accredited laboratory, at-home testing kits could be providing a false positive result for Liquid I.V. This is because the buffers in the Extraction Solution used in at-home testing kits are formulated to work with a pea-sized amount, or a scoop of product (0.5g or less). These measurements are not an issue for conventional food, but for Liquid I.V. one of these suggested measurements equals 0.81g-1.2g which adds 62%-140% more product weight than what is required for accurate results, altering the pH of the Extraction Solution, resulting in false readings."

This confusion seems to have been resolved in our celiac disease and gluten-free forums, where even independent ELISA testing shows Liquid I.V. to be gluten-free.

So, the takeaway is that Liquid I.V. is gluten-free and safe for celiacs. In the meantime, here's a list of Gatorade and Other Top Brands of Gluten-Free and Gluten-Safe Sports Drinks