The Truth About The Prime Drink: Is it Worth the Hype?

I was recently asked by the Mirror to examine the ingredients and health benefits of a popular product on the market.

Regarding the safety of the product and its ingredients, while it is generally considered safe for consumption, it does contain artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium. These artificial sweeteners have been linked to potential health risks, including glucose intolerance and an increased risk of obesity(1,2 ).

As a mother and a nutritionist, I would not allow my child or loved one to consume this drink. There is nothing in this drink that cannot be obtained from water, coconut water, and a well-balanced meal.

In terms of health benefits, this drink does contain some hydration from the water and coconut water, as well as a small boost of vitamins and minerals if one's diet is severely lacking in whole foods. However, it is important to note that it is not an energy drink and does not have the same replenishing benefits as a sports or recovery drink.

Unfortunately, the product also contains artificial sweeteners that can negatively affect our gut microbiome and potentially cause harm. The "natural flavour" label is misleading, as it does not specify what flavouring agents are used, and toxicity concerns are often related to flavouring agents 2,3).

When breaking down the ingredients list, it becomes clear that the majority of the product is water, coconut water, and artificial sweeteners, with low-dosage vitamins and minerals, and a small amount of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). The BCAAs, while touted as the "star" ingredient, are present in such low quantities (250mg) that they will not provide any significant benefits, especially compared to the recommended daily intake of 5,000-10,000mg. (4,5)

In conclusion, this drink is a watery, artificial multivitamin solution that offers very little nutritional value. For a fraction of the price, one can achieve similar or better benefits by drinking a bottle of coconut water, adding a pinch of Himalayan pink salt, and taking a multivitamin. It is important to remember that this drink is a hydration drink, not a sports or recovery drink.

Hannah, Lead Nutritionist

References 

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7155288/

2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29159583/

3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15093265/

4 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320042658_Effect_of_BCAA_supplement_timing_on_exercise-induced_muscle_soreness_and_damage_A_pilot_placebo-controlled_double-blind_study

5 https://examine.com/supplements/branched-chain-amino-acids/#dosage-information