Body Armor For Expectant Mothers: Safe Or Risky?

is body armor safe during pregnancy

Body armour, a sports drink containing B-complex vitamins, electrolytes, and other nutrients, has gained popularity as a competitor to Gatorade. It is marketed to athletes and those who are physically active. While some doctors recommend Body Armour to their pregnant patients, others are hesitant due to the high sugar content and the presence of natural flavours and concentrated coconut water.

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Body Armour SuperDrink contains 28g of sugar per 16oz serving

Body Armour SuperDrink is a popular sports drink marketed to athletes and those who are physically active. It contains B-complex vitamins, electrolytes, and other nutrients, and is designed to improve energy levels and performance.

However, it is important to note that the second ingredient in Body Armour SuperDrink is sugar, with 28g of sugar per 16oz serving. That is a significant amount of sugar for a beverage. High sugar consumption during pregnancy may contribute to increased gestational weight gain and the development of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sugary beverages during pregnancy.

In addition to the high sugar content, Body Armour SuperDrink also contains concentrated coconut water, natural flavours, and added vitamins (vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex). Coconut water concentrate may not retain the same level of beneficial enzymes and nutrients as fresh coconut water due to the high heat used in the concentration process. "Natural flavours" can also be misleading, as they can contain artificial and synthetic chemicals. Finally, the added vitamins in Body Armour SuperDrink may be excessive when combined with prenatal vitamins.

While Body Armour SuperDrink may be effective for hydration and improving energy levels, it is important to consider the high sugar content and other potential drawbacks, especially if you are pregnant. As always, it is best to consult with your doctor or midwife regarding any concerns about consuming Body Armour SuperDrink or other sports drinks during pregnancy.

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The drink contains vitamins A, C, E and B-complex

BodyArmor SuperDrink is a sports drink that contains B-complex vitamins, electrolytes, and other nutrients. It is designed to improve energy levels and performance. While some people drink BodyArmor during pregnancy, there are concerns about its high sugar content and the potential for too much synthetic vitamin intake.

The drink contains vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex. These vitamins have a wide range of health benefits and support various bodily functions.

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, supporting the immune system, and promoting growth and development. It also plays a role in reproductive health and the maintenance of organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. It supports immune health, promotes iron absorption, and aids in the production of collagen, which is important for skin, bone, and joint health.

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that works alongside vitamin C to protect cells from damage. It also plays a role in immune function and has been linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease and Alzheimer's.

The B-complex vitamins consist of eight different B vitamins, each with its own unique role in the body. These vitamins are crucial for maintaining good health, especially during pregnancy. They support energy levels, aid in fetal brain development, and reduce the risk of birth defects. B-complex vitamins also help with nausea, sleep issues, and leg muscle cramps during pregnancy.

While BodyArmor SuperDrink contains a variety of beneficial vitamins, it is important to be mindful of the potential drawbacks, such as the high sugar content and the possibility of consuming too much of certain vitamins. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended to determine what is best for your individual needs during pregnancy.

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Coconut water concentrate is heated to very high temperatures, causing a loss of beneficial enzymes

Coconut water is a popular drink that offers a wide range of health benefits. It is packed with nutrients and electrolytes, which can aid in weight loss, improve skin health, rehydrate the body, aid digestion, and reduce blood pressure. However, not all coconut water products are created equal. Some companies sell coconut water made from concentrate, which is cheaper and easier to import.

To make coconut water concentrate, the water is heated to extremely high temperatures for an extended period, turning it into a syrup before packaging. This process causes the water to lose many of its beneficial nutrients and enzymes, rendering it less nutritious than fresh coconut water. The high heat destroys the beneficial enzymes, and the final product has fewer health benefits than intended.

The process of creating coconut water concentrate involves heating the water to very high temperatures, which causes a significant loss of beneficial enzymes and nutrients. This means that consumers who opt for coconut water concentrate may not be getting the full range of health benefits that fresh coconut water offers.

To avoid this issue, consumers should look for coconut water labelled "not from concentrate." These products, such as Grace 100% Pure Coconut Water, have not been heated to high temperatures and therefore retain more of the beneficial enzymes and nutrients. By choosing "not from concentrate" options, consumers can ensure they are getting the full range of health benefits that coconut water has to offer.

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Body Armour contains natural flavours, which can contain artificial and synthetic chemicals

Body Armour is a popular sports drink marketed to athletes and those who are physically active. It contains B-complex vitamins, electrolytes, and other nutrients, and is designed to improve energy levels and performance. The drink is also available in a sugar-free version called Body Armour Lyte, which is sweetened with natural sugar alternatives erythritol and stevia leaf.

Body Armour contains natural flavours, which, according to PubMed, can contain both artificial and synthetic chemicals. These chemicals are often used as processing aids. The problem with the term "natural flavours" is that it is a broad categorisation that fails to define the specific chemical compounds used as flavouring agents. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to know exactly what you are consuming.

While Body Armour does not contain artificial sweeteners, flavours, or dyes, it is important to note that the term "natural flavours" can be misleading. The drink also contains a high amount of cane sugar (21-28 grams per serving), which has been linked to negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the drink contains a large number of added vitamins, such as vitamin B6 and vitamin A, which may be unnecessary and even harmful for consumers without a vitamin deficiency.

Overall, while Body Armour may be a healthier alternative to other sports drinks on the market, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of artificial and synthetic chemicals in the "natural flavours" it contains. As always, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if Body Armour is safe and suitable for your individual needs, especially during pregnancy.

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Body Armour has been linked to migraines, upset stomachs and high blood sugar

Body armour is a popular sports drink marketed to athletes and those who are physically active. It contains B-complex vitamins, electrolytes, and other nutrients, and is designed to improve energy levels and performance. However, there are some concerns about its safety during pregnancy due to its high sugar content and other ingredients.

Firstly, Body Armour has been linked to migraines and upset stomachs. One comment on Body Armour's website states that the drink caused "migraines due to sugar crashes and upset stomachs". The high sugar content can also lead to a borderline diabetic condition, as mentioned by another commenter. This is supported by a PubMed Central article, which states that "sugar consumption during pregnancy may contribute to increased gestational weight gain and the development of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and preterm birth".

Secondly, Body Armour contains vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, which are common ingredients in prenatal vitamins. While these vitamins are essential for the development of the baby, too much can be harmful. Therefore, consuming additional synthetic vitamins during pregnancy can upset the delicate balance and potentially cause harm.

Lastly, Body Armour contains concentrated coconut water, which has been heated to extremely high temperatures for an extended period, causing it to lose its beneficial enzymes and nutrients.

In conclusion, while Body Armour may be beneficial for athletes and those who are physically active, there are concerns about its safety during pregnancy due to its high sugar content, additional synthetic vitamins, and the use of concentrated coconut water. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or midwife for advice regarding consumption during pregnancy, as they can provide personalized guidance based on individual health needs.

Frequently asked questions

BodyArmor is a sports drink marketed to athletes and those who are physically active. It contains B-complex vitamins, electrolytes, and other nutrients. While it's a great way to stay hydrated, it's best to consult your doctor about drinking BodyArmor during pregnancy as it contains added vitamins and 28g of sugar per 16oz serving.

Here are some alternatives to BodyArmor that are generally considered safe to drink during pregnancy:

- Pasteurized and fortified orange juice

- Sports drinks with electrolytes (e.g. Gatorade, Powerade)

- Pasteurized milk (nonfat or low-fat)

- Herbal teas (e.g. rooibos tea, ginger tea, peppermint tea, lemon balm tea, red raspberry leaf tea)

- Smoothies

- Pasteurized eggnog

- Lemonade or lemon water

- Probiotics (e.g. kefir)

- Coconut water

The following drinks should be avoided during pregnancy:

- Untested tap water (may contain lead)

- Fresh-squeezed fruit juices and ciders (may contain harmful bacteria)

- Too many sugary beverages

- Raw milk (may contain dangerous bacteria)

- Caffeinated tea and coffee

- Kombucha (contains alcohol, caffeine, and unpasteurized bacteria)

- Diet soda (linked to infant obesity and preterm labor)

- Wheatgrass juice or shots (may be contaminated with bacteria or mold)

- Energy drinks (contain high levels of caffeine and unregulated ingredients)

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