In late August I received the opportunity to try Oral I.V. and write a review of it on my blog.  I received two packages of vials (eight vials total) at no charge and all I had to do was try it and tell you what I think…  Easier said, than done.

Firstly, I am a somewhat skeptical person and have learned not to immediately buy into what I read and hear; and secondly, reviewing a product such as Oral I.V. is somewhat subjective and I just don’t know if I can honestly endorse a product that I’m not 100% sure of.  With that being said, let’s give it a whirl!

From the Oral I.V. website:  ORAL I.V. is a revolutionary hydration aid product based on a proprietary blend of  electrolytes, minerals and purified water.

OralIV

While researching Oral I.V. I learned the following (also from their website):

  1. It is considered a hydration aid, not a sports or energy drink
  2. It is formulated from electrolytes
  3. It does not contain sugar, caffeine or other stimulants
  4. It contains less sodium and potassium than sports drinks
  5. It should not replace water or electrolyte intake, but be used to enhance hydration strategy
  6. It should be taken with 16 ounces of water about ten minutes before exercise
  7. It should be taken every four to six hours during strenuous exercise
  8. It can be used as a recovery aid, and shortens recovery times
  9. It increases potential performance
  10. It improves focus and concentration
  11. It is considered a supplement, and therefore not regulated by the FDA
  12. No contraindications have been reported

The ideal “testing ground” for ORAL I.V. is an activity where physical exertion and the potential for dehydration exist. To experience the intended benefits of ORAL I.V., the product should be used prior to, or during activities of physical exertion that can contribute to dehydration, such as fitness, exercise or sports.  It is recommended to take one vial of ORAL I.V. as a hydration aid along with water prior to your fitness activity. An additional vial can also be used during your activity if it spans for several hours or more.

On a pretty warm day in early September I decided to try my first vial of Oral I.V.  Because of my schedule, I ran about six miles mid-day when the temperature was 92 degrees with 65% humidity.  I already felt a little dehydrated because I had been very busy that morning and hadn’t been drinking enough water.  Before my run, I took a vial along with a large glass of water and immediately felt better.  Note:  I always feel better immediately after drinking a large glass of water when I’m dehydrated.  I intentionally didn’t carry water with me on my run so I could see if I felt any more or less hydrated than usual since I rarely carry water on six-mile runs.  I didn’t notice a difference…

About a week later, when it was 89 degrees and very humid with storms threatening, I tried it again before a mid-day six-mile run.

Sept12WeatherBug

As you can see from my running shorts, I sweated a lot!  I felt great during the run, but here comes the subjective part…  How would I have felt if I hadn’t taken Oral I.V?  Who know, I certainly can’t tell you.

SweatyShorts

During the remainder of September I used five more vials on hot mid-day runs.  And finally, this past Thursday on a somewhat humid day for October, I used my final vial.

Oct17WeatherBug

So what’s my opinion overall?  I felt fine on my runs, I didn’t feel dehydrated, and I ran really strong on some runs and not so strong on others.  When I ran well, was it because of the Oral I.V.  Was it because I’d eaten well and slept well the day and night before?  Or was it because I had well rested legs from taking the previous day off?  I can’t answer those questions because I didn’t keep those types of notes.  Would I use Oral I.V. if it were given to me for free?  Yes, because of the twelve positive attributes listed above; assuming they are accurate.  But would I buy it at $2.75 to $3 per vial (four-vial packet for $ 11.99 or ten packets for $109.90)?  I don’t think so…

If you are interested in purchasing Oral I.V. you can use the discount code: FITNESS when placing an order on their website.  You can also follow them on Facebook and twitter.

Disclosure:  Oral I.V. was supplied to me free of charge for me to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

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