KSI’s Prime Hydration: Is It Worth the Hype?

If you haven’t heard about influencer and former MH cover star KSI’s new hydration drink ‘Prime Hydration’ then you've probably been living under a rock. Or, most likely, don’t have children nagging you to sprint down to the nearest supermarket to buy a bottle. Which is handy, as the hydration drink is currently hitting the headlines for selling out at extortionate prices.

But what actually is it?

The Ingredients

According to The Food XP, “Prime Hydration contains 10% coconut water, 825g electrolytes, 250mg BCAAs for muscle recovery, vitamin B, and many antioxidants.”

Let's break it down:

Electrolytes are natural occurring salts within the body that aid with a number of functions. When we sweat, we lose these salts and they need replacing.

Prime also contains branches chain amino acids. BCAAs are amino acids that the body cannot produce itself. Studies have shown that they help with recovery, reduce muscle soreness and prevent muscle wasting. However, as Sports Nutritionist Scott Baptie points out, BCAAs can be found in the food y0u eat.

“What most people don’t realise is that BCAAs are abundantly found in food," says Baptie. "Most protein rich foods have quite a high percentage (15-25%) of BCAAs already.”

Another ingredient found within the drink and is well known for its energy boosting properties is B12. According to Mayoclinic, “Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function and the production of DNA, the molecules inside cells that carry genetic information.”

Prime Hydration also contains antioxidants such as carotenoids and vitamins A, E and Zinc. The research is mixed for the benefits of antioxidants, however, it's believed they a can protect your cells from free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

One of the main concerns for many is the sweetener content found within Prime, most notably Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium. Artificial sweeteners are a controversial topic with research showing that long-term use can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes. However, it's agreed that providing your daily intake of Sucralose doesn't exceed 5 mg per kg of body weight, your health shouldn't be impacted. Regarding Acesulfame Potassium, WebMD states it's approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an alternative sweetener with more than 90 studies proving it's safe to use.

What the Celebs Are Saying

Celebrities have been trying the drink over the last few weeks and giving their take. Michelin starred chef Gordon Ramsay felt it tasted like 'swallowing perfume.'

Boxing star Chris Eubank JR. also tried the prime hydration drink: “It’s very sweet, I mean it says it’s naturally flavoured. It doesn’t taste bad, but it’s not a natural flavour of drink”.

The MH Verdict

From a Sports Nutrition perspective, Prime Hydration boasts some great ingredients for only 20 calories. So much so, that it has become the Official Hydration Partner of Arsenal. The drink could be a good addition to your post workout hydration plan as it contains numerous electrolytes as well as BCAAs which can aid with recovery. But remember, it's not an energy drink and due to its artificial sweetening, it's not advised to drink daily.

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