Last Updated on June 10, 2016 by Michael Brockbank
My brother recently sent me a copy of some website that was essentially bashing the Mio Energy water enhancer product from Kraft. Clearly, I could tell that the author really didn’t put much effort into looking at the product and simply wanted to complain about the manufacturer. So, I’ve decided to do some real research into Mio water enhancers – especially the Acai Berry Storm.
What Is Mio?
Mio Energy water enhancers are essentially products that you can squirt into your bottle to give the liquid more taste. It’s an additive that can accentuate a glass of water without mixing up a gallon of Kool Aid. A single squirt can treat eight ounces. Usually, I’ll squirt a bit into my 18 oz blender bottle. Since it contains 0 calories, carbs and fats, it is superior to soda as a “pick-me-up.”
Why Would You Want Mio Energy Water Enhancer?
In this review, I’m focusing on the “Energy” product from Mio. According to Kraft’s claims, it can help boost your energy levels throughout the day. This is aside from transforming a plain glass of water into a fruity beverage for those that drink for taste like myself. This boost of energy comes in the form of vitamins and natural herbs that have been found to support the claim.
Where Can You Find It?
Mios, and other similar products, can be found at nearly any grocery store. Personally, I pick mine up from Walmart. There is quite an extensive collection of flavors if you’re not into Acai Berry Storm. However, Kraft does the acai berry well in this product.
Will This Work For You?
According to the product’s ingredients, the Mio Energy water enhancer does have a capacity to promote higher levels of zip as well as mental awareness. Aside from the caffeine, the break down of the other components supports Kraft’s claims for the Mio drink additive. Each serving gives you 10% of your daily value for niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. At any rate, the Mio is an excellent source for those looking to meet daily nutritional goals.
Ingredients
There are a variety of ingredients that go into the Mio Acai Berry Storm product. I’m going to break down the most prominent components. Let’s take a look to see what gives this Mio it’s “energy” boost. As you can see, this one does not have aspertame. I know other reviews out there center on the use of this sweetener. I suppose Kraft changed their recipe because this product does not have it.
- Caffeine
- Malic Acid
- Taurine
- Guarana Extract
- Ginseng Extract
- Niacinamide
- Sucralose
- Acesulfame Potassium
- Vitamins B6 and B12
The Science Behind This Product
With my list of ingredients, it’s time to take a closer look as to what each one contributes in terms of energy promotion. I’m not covering the food coloring used in the product, but let’s just say that it makes the drink purple. It’s nothing more than an aesthetic addition. Kraft is not trying to fool anyone into thinking that real acai berries are crammed into the drink. However, this product does state that it uses natural flavors.
Malic Acid
Malic acid is a tart or sour tasting natural component that is found in a large number of foods. It has been reported to have a capacity as an antioxidant. It may also be a component that assists in higher-quality heart health.[1] However, antioxidants don’t necessarily provide energy. Instead, they are used to promote cardiovascular health as well as reducing the risks of cancer. I am guessing that it’s a byproduct of including the natural flavors of the acai berry or other components.
Taurine
As an amino acid, taurine is an essential component for creating proteins within the human body.[2] Proteins are often linked to improving and sustaining energy levels as well as helping with mental focus. Unfortunately, humans are incapable of developing this required component on their own. It is ingested through various types of foods including beef, chicken, pork and fish.
Guarana Extract
Guarana is used in a long list of products from athletic performance to stimulants, which is why it’s added to the Mio Energy water enhancer.[3] As guarana contains caffeine, it’s no wonder why it’s used in a variety of things used to keep the body moving. This is’t saying anything about its ability to treat other things like low blood pressure.
Ginseng Extract
When it comes to promoting energy in a drink Ginseng is one of the most utilized plants. In one study, it was proven to be beneficial to treat fatigue experienced by cancer patients.[4] Although this study was centered around high doses of the herb, it can still be beneficial in smaller amounts.
Niacinamide
Although I haven’t found evidence that niacinamide is beneficial as an vitality enhancer, it is used by the body to do a variety of things.[5] This B vitamin is used to treat many different mental illnesses. Based on my own knowledge, I would assume that niacinamide could be beneficial for enhancing focus and concentration on some minor level. This is because of the mental illnesses it prevents such as schizophrenia, hallucinations and Alzheimer’s disease.
Sucralose
Sucralose is a sweetener that is most commonly identified with the Splenda brand sugar alternative. Although it does have some benefits over aspertame, it does show signs of causing alterations to glucose and insulin levels.[6] In labratory rats, the beneficial bacteria in the digestive system had declined. However, there hasn’t been enough evidence yet to ascertain any and all positive and negative effects on humans.
Acesulfame Potassium
Acesulfame potassium is an ultra-sweetener when compared to regular sugar. It’s often paired with sucralose in products. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been enough scientific evidence referring to the pros and cons of the compound to the human body. It does contain slight amounts of methylene chloride, which can contribute to a large number of physical ailments in large doses.[7] However, I could build an entire website centered around foods and drinks that can hurt you when consumed in high doses.
Vitamins B6 and B12
Vitamin B6 assists the body in creating hemoglobin, the component needed for red blood cells to carry oxygen.[8] An increase of oxygen is often connected to promoting higher energy levels as well as improving mental awareness in the brain. Vitamin B12 is used in the body for promoting energy, enhancing mood, concentration and many other physical benefits.[9] In reality, most B vitamins contribute to energy in the body in one form or another.
What’s the Best Way To Use It?
A single squirt of the Mio Energy water enhancer is roughly 1/2 of a teaspoon. Simply squirt it into a cup of water. I’ll often use Mio Energy after my series of morning coffees in order to keep the energy going throughout lunch while getting more water. As this product is a concentrate, you should never just drink it straight.
Sources:
[1] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/malic_acid#section=Therapeutic-Uses
[2] http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1024-taurine.aspx?activeingredientid=1024&
[3] http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-935-guarana.aspx?activeingredientid=935
[4] http://www.mayo.edu/research/forefront/ginseng-fights-fatigue-cancer-patients
[5] http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-924-niacin%20and%20niacinamide%20vitamin%20b3.aspx?activeingredientid=924&
[6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24219506
[7] http://www.medicinenet.com/artificial_sweeteners/page10.htm
[8] https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002402.htm
[9] http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-926-vitamin%20b12.aspx?activeingredientid=926
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