The Danger And Disadvantage Of Drinking Lucozade Products

Lucozade is a drink found all around the world. It is marketed as an energy drink. There are different types of lucozade drinks. They contain similar ingredients. They have similar functions.

One thing I have noticed with lucozade drinks is that they are made at different plants all around the world. Products from each plant may vary slightly from other plants. For example, lucozade drinks in some countries contain caffeine. However, that cannot be said in Nigeria as some do not contain caffeine.

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There is something else too. All lucozade drinks come in many flavours. Although this may not be the case in Nigeria as we only get to see just one flavour for each type of drink. They also come in different sizes and packages. Lastly, many products are not in every country except in the United kingdom. Lucozade is banned in the United States of America (USA).

Types Of Lucozade Drink

There are four types of lucozade drinks in Nigeria. There are others not in Nigeria but found in other countries. The four are;

1. Lucozade energy

Lucozade energy

2. Lucozade sport

Lucozade sport

3. Lucozade boost

Lucozade boost

4. Lucozade coke

Lucozade Coke

Content Of Lucozade Drink

Lucozade Energy Drink

Each 330ml can of Lucozade Energy drink has the following ingredients:

116 calories

14.9g of sugars

0.18g of sodium

26.1g of glucose-based carbohydrates

Carbonated Water

Glucose Syrup (11%)

Citric Acid (acid)

Sodium Gluconate (acidity regulator)

Potassium Sorbate (preservative)

Aspartame (artificial sweetener)

Acesulfame-K (artificial sweetener)

Acacia Gum (stabiliser)

Flavourings

Ascorbic Acid (antioxidant)

Beta-Carotene (colour)

Lucozade also contains trace amounts of fat, saturates and protein.

Lucozade Boost

Bottle contains 65.4 g of carbohydrates, of which 33.1 g is sugars and 65.4 g glucose-based. contain sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame K in addition to sugar to provide a sweet taste.

Ingredients in Lucozade; Carbonated Water, Glucose Syrup (26%), Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Flavourings, Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Bisulphate), Antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid), Colour (Sunset Yellow).

Lucozade Sport

It is an isotonic drink that is easily absorbed into the body. It contains the following;

Water, Glucose Syrup, Acid (Citric Acid), Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrate), Stabiliser (Acacia Gum), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid), Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K), Flavouring, Vitamins (Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, B6, B12), Colour (Beta Carotene).

In every 100ml

Energy contain 118/28kJ/kcal    

Carbohydrate contain 6.5g

of which sugars, g is 3.6

Salt contain 0.13g

Niacin contain 0.54mg

Pantothenic Acid is 0.20mg

Vitamin B6 is 0.05mg

Vitamin B12 is 0.09µg

Contains negligible amounts of - Fat, Saturates and Protein. Electrolytes per 100ml: Sodium 50mg

Lucozade Coke

The contents of Lucozade Coke are not available online or are difficult to find. But the little information on it was that it is the same content with Lucozade energy with added caffeine and cola.

Difference Between Lucozade Drinks

If you look at all the Lucozade products, you will see they contain similar ingredients. The only difference is the strength of each. For example, Lucozade boost has more sugar and carbohydrate than Lucozade energy. Lucozade Coke has more caffeine than the others.

So it is established that Lucozade boost is for those who are recovering from illness. Then the energy is for those who are weak or something like that. Sport is for before, during or after any sporting activity as it is easily digested. Could not find out anything about the Lucozade Coke. But guess what? It is like it's competitor, coca cola.

The Danger Of Drinking Lucozade

Lucozade has a high sugar content making it appropriate for those suffering from hypoglycemia. a 500ml bottle of Lucozade originally contains 43.5g of sugar which is the equivalent of 11 teaspoons. In another survey, a 500ml bottle of the Lucozade Energy original is the equivalent to a whopping 64g of sugar. If we equate it with cubes of sugar using the standard 4g for each cube, Lucozade (500ml) contains 15.5 cubes. The effects of added sugar intake — higher blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease — are all linked to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke," says Dr. Hu.

Let us compare it with the popular coal cola we all know contains a lot of sugar. Coca Cola (500ml) contains 13.5 cubes. That is massive. Yet nobody is talking about it. The funny thing is that Lucozade Drinks in Nigeria don't mention that it comes with caffeine. It is either they do not include it in the contents or the label. But I doubt the product in Nigeria is different from the one in other countries.

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We know how bad sugar from fizzy drinks are to humans. Yet ads marketing these products focus on the benefits which are nothing but danger. Did I mention that it contains lots of Sodium. Yes, it contains a large amount of sodium. While we often use the words "salt" and "sodium" interchangeably, they are different by definition. Table salt is a chemical compound made up of two minerals: sodium and chloride. Together, they can make food taste "salty" when you sprinkle it on. Salty-tasting foods aren’t universally high in sodium. But sodium is also found by itself in many processed foods like bread, crackers, or cereal. It doesn't necessarily taste salty, but it can negatively affect your health when you consume too much.

Sodium is an electrolyte that has the effect of drawing water into your blood. But when we have too much salt, we start retaining more fluid and our blood vessels constrict — almost like a balloon that’s ready to pop. Overdo it consistently on sodium, and the result is high blood pressure, which can do serious damage to your kidneys, heart, and circulatory system over time.

The ads for Lucozade products has been to give energy when needed. The company encourage the sick to drink it anytime. They sponsor sports men and women convincing them to drink. The marketing is to hide the truth behind this product. However, the sugar you are running from in other sugary drinks like coca cola is more here in your Lucozade drinks. Worst still, it contains large amount of sodium which can lead to high blood pressure.