LMNT is one of the more popular electrolyte packets on the market. Boasting no sugar, no gluten, no dodgy ingredients, vegan and paleo and keto-friendly, LMNT had been perceived as one of the cleaner electrolyte supplements out there.
But that has recently been called into question.
In the past month or so it has been revealed that LMNT contains upwards of 550 milligrams of maltodextrin, a GMO corn extract. Maldodextrin is a carbohydrate that can break ketosis, additionally, studies have shown correlation with gut dysfunction.
According to a statement by LMNT, there is between 250mg to 550mg in the flavored drink mix.
(The FDA does not regulate the phrase “natural flavors” or “fragrance.”)
The problem is that until recently it was believed that there was only 4mg of maltodextrin in the powdery packets.
What’s even crazier is that LMNT was originally thought to have no maltodextrin. But sometime last year someone uncovered that there was in fact maltodextrin.
LMNT then came clean and said there was maltodextrin, but it was only 4mg. Apparently, the natural flavors that LMNT used to flavor its products contained these trace amounts.
Some were upset by this revelation because of LMNT’s promise of “no dodgy ingredients”. However, many rationalized it and said 4mg is such a minuscule amount that it would not affect most people.
Maltodextrin is a food additive that is used to improve texture, flavor, and shelf life. It is processed from the byproduct of the GMO corn industry. The problem, though, is that maltodextrin causes large spikes in blood sugar – something particularly bad for those with diabetes or insulin resistance. It also said it can kick you out of ketosis.
But now, over the past month LMNT has admitted that its products have up to 100 times the maltodextrin than what many thought just a couple months ago. Further proving that you can not trust what is written on food or supplement labels.
In contrast, Hawaiian Hydration offers a cleaner alternative by using only real fruit for flavoring, instead “natural” flavors. We prioritize transparency and respect people who are looking to avoid additives like maltodextrin entirely. All of our fruit is organic, and sourced in Hawaiian, when available.
The human body evolved for 400,000 years to eat fruit, not chemicals and flavorings.
Written by: Brian Spin
Edited by: Louis Antonelli