FAQ

Collapsible content

What is SOS?

SOS is a fast acting electrolyte replacement drink created to prevent and combat mild to moderate dehydration due to active lifestyles and physical performance.

Where is SOS made?

SOS is manufactured and packaged in the USA in an FDA approved manufacturing and production facility. The facilities have the highest level of FDA clearance and all products have been through independent testing and auditing with Informed Sport and Informed Choice to give you peace of mind when consuming SOS.

Is SOS vegan friendly?

Yes! All SOS products are vegan friendly.

Is SOS gluten free?

Yes! SOS is safe for those with Celiac disease.

What are the SOS ingredients and nutritional information?

Nutrition facts: Serving size 1 stick (@4.8g) to mix with 250ml (8foz) water. Calories 10. Fat Cal 0g. Total fat 0g (0%DV). Total Carb 3g (1%DV). Sugars 3g. Sodium 330mg (14%DV). Potassium 195mg (5%DV). Protein 0g. Magnesium (5%DV). Zinc (20% DV). Not a significant source of calories from fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, dietary fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron. *Percent Daily values based off a 2000 calorie diet.

What are the ingredients?

Cane Sugar, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, Dextrose, Natural flavours, Natural Coloring, Malic Acid, Magnesium Citrate, Stevia, and Zinc Sulfate. Osmolarity 189 mOsm/l. SOS ingredients have been specifically balanced and formulated for rehydration. We use no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors or preservatives.

How does SOS work?

SOS uses the World Health Organization's Oral Rehydration Therapy recommendations and data from the American College of Sports Medicine. By correctly balancing the amount of sodium and glucose, SOS enhances the water absorption process by activating the body's natural mechanism know as the Sodium/Glucose co-transport system, which is located in the small bowel. When SOS arrives in the small intestine, one molecule of sodium is quickly pulled into the blood vessels by one molecule of glucose; subsequently, due to osmotic forces, water gets absorbed as it always follows sodium. This is the main reason why we need salt (sodium) and sugar (glucose). With salt we can prevent "water intoxication" and maintain a good osmolarity; with the correct types of sugars, we forestall the development of lactic acidosis.

What is an ORS?

An ORS is an Oral Rehydration Solution. A solution can be considered an ORS when it complies with the World Health Organization specification. These solutions are made by mixing the perfect amount of electrolytes and glucose, which can help the body absorb up to ten times as much water. This form of therapy was first discovered more that 50 years ago to treat patients with Cholera. The benefits of ORS use for an active lifestyle have become apparent more recently. SOS has taken this science and developed it for people with active lifestyles.

When should I drink SOS?

SOS is made to prevent and combat mild to moderate dehydration so whether you're about to engage in a tough workout, about to hop on a long flight, or getting ready for a night out, don't forget your SOS!

Who should not use SOS?

People with water restrictions, heart or kidney problems, or children under the age of 1 should consult with a physician before use. SOS is designed for people with active lifestyles.

Is SOS approved for use by the FDA?

According to the FDA standards, SOS only uses Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) ingredients and therefore complies with all regulations for food consumption and production.

Is SOS approved for use by WADA?

SOS is part of the Informed Sport and Informed Choice program and as such our manufacturing process and ingredients have been analysed and are frequently audited to ensure that SOS is safe for any athlete that gets tested by WADA as part of their sport.

What do I mix SOS with?

SOS should only be mixed with clean water. Each stick or scoop contains enough ingredients to be mixed with 8 fluid ounces (250ml) of water. Always ensure that the product is well mixed and consumed within 24 hours of preparation.

Can I use SOS for a hangover?

Over consumption of alcohol can lead to significant and even serious levels of dehydration. This leads to fatigue, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and more. Alcohol has a diuretic effect as it inhibits the secretion of a hormone in the brain known as the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This substance acts on the kidney to reabsorb water. When ADH levels drop, the kidneys produce more urine, which dehydrates you. In fact, for every 1 gram of alcohol consumed, urine excretion increases by 10 milliliters. After an evening of alcohol consumption, we recommend drinking one SOS just before going to bed and one the next morning! Drink responsibility & never drink and drive :)

Where can I buy SOS?

SOS is available online here in our online store! You can also use our Store Locator to search stores local to your area. Right now, you can find SOS at your local CVS, or SOS Kids at your local Walmart!

What is the difference between SOS and sports drinks?

SOS is different from typical sports drinks because it is a low osmolarity solution that contains 50% more electrolytes and 75% less carbohydrates than sports drinks. Due to its high sugar content, Sports Drinks have a high osmolarity. This will lead to bloating and even diarrhea. High osmolarity in the gut will pull water from the blood vessels into the gut instead of absorbing it; this is known as osmotic diarrhea.

What's the difference between SOS and energy drinks?

The main ingredients of energy drinks are high amounts of sugar and caffeine. As their name says, they are made to give an artificial energy boost; they are not meant to rehydrate you. Caffeine is known to be a diuretic because it blocks the Anti-diuretic Hormone (ADH) in the brain, thus increasing the urine production. After that initial energy boost you will feel tired and you will definitively be dehydrated. Some of the main dehydration symptoms are tiredness, headaches, constipation, and light-headedness. SOS is all-natural and gives you a fast and healthy boost of water. Proper hydration is key for good performance and lifestyle survival.

Can SOS be compared to IV drips?

Yes, SOS can be compared to an IV drip for combating mild to moderate dehydration. After more than 50 years of research, Oral Rehydration Solutions have proven to be as fast and effective as an IV drip, but safer and cheaper. With SOS, you can prevent complications like infections, avoid the painful IV procedure, and save a lot of money. Severe dehydration should be treated with an IV drip by professional medical staff.

Can diabetics use SOS?

Diabetic people with active lifestyles can drink SOS to prevent and combat mild to moderate dehydration. SOS contains two types of sugars: sucrose and dextrose. Sucrose is a medium glycemic index sugar. It is a disaccharide (formed by two molecules of sugar). Once it arrives to the small intestines, sucrose splits into one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose. After drinking SOS, you will get a small glucose peak, which provides energy and water absorption enhancement. Dextrose is a simple sugar with a high GI index.

How do I know if I am dehydrated?

Dehydration can cause headaches, irritability, weakness, dizziness, concentration impairment, tiredness, dry mouth, and more. Any of these symptoms may indicate that you are dehydrated. A couple of tips to monitor your hydration status:

Thirst: When we start sensing thirst, we are already 2% dehydrated. Be aware that our thirst sense decreases with aging. Luckily, there are better ways of assessing dehydration!

Urine volume and color: Yes, as simple as that. Nobody knows your body better than you. You have noticed that after a long run or a big night out your urine volume is lower and the color is dark-orange that means that you are dehydrated. If you urinate light and clear urine in a correct volume, your body is hydrated. If you see a darker-orange color, you are dehydrated.

Is too much water bad for you?

Too much water can be bad for you, as it will dilute the sodium from your blood, decreasing the body's osmolarity. Because water always follows salt, the water will move inside the cells to where the higher sodium concentration is. This concept is known as "water intoxication." SOS is proper hydration: water+sodium+glucose. Fast rehydration, osmotic balance, energy source. Check out our science page for more information.

Why is hydration so important?

Hydration is necessary for survival. Water is the most important element in humans, as a full 60% of our body is water. This vital liquid is involved in every metabolic process of our body. We can only live one week without it. Losing just 2% of your body weight through dehydration can affect athletic performance by more than 20%. That's the difference between a good day and a bad one! Using SOS can help you keep performing at your peak.

What causes me to get dehydrated during the day?

Everyday, even when we don't sense it, we are losing water through evaporation, breathing, and urine excretion. More than just hot weather dehydrates us:

- Air conditioned environments

- Stress

- Commuting

- Physical activity

- Flying

- Consumption of coffee, tea, energy drinks, and alcohol

- Cold weather

Is SOS safe for celiacs?

SOS contains very small amounts of maltodextrin. It is used as a transporter for our natural colors and some other ingredients to help those molecules bind. SOS contains microscopic amounts of corn-derived maltodextrin – and since we understand that for some, microscopic ingredients (gluten) can cause terrible effects, we only use corn-derived maltodextrin because it is safe for celiacs (and other GI issues), and is considered gluten free. If SOS did contain wheat-derived maltodextrin, our ingredients label would include “wheat” and we could not claim gluten free. Below are links to independent articles indicating corn-derived maltodextrin as safe for celiacs:

https://www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/is-it-gluten-free/maltodextrin/

https://celiac.org/about-the-foundation/featured-news/2016/01/gluten-free-101-need-know/ - (step 2 paragraph 4)

https://www.celiac.com/articles.html/is-maltodextrin-gluten-free-r5228/

One of the co-founders who developed the SOS formula is a gastrointestinal physician and thousands of celiacs trust SOS for its safe ingredients.