Pedialyte Lawsuit Claims Electrolyte Drinks, Powders Not Healthy as Advertised Due to Sucralose Content

A proposed class action lawsuit alleges that Pedialyte electrolyte drinks and powders are falsely marketed as healthy, hydrating and safe despite containing sucralose, a sugar substitute connected to various severe health risks.

The 42-page lawsuit against Pedialyte maker Abbott Laboratories states that the company prominently advertises Pedialyte electrolyte hydration products as health-conscious, zero-sugar alternatives to sugary competitors, capitalizing on both consumers’ desire for health-forward products and the subsequent popularity of alternative sweeteners such as sucralose.

However, the complaint claims that Abbott Labs, in an apparent attempt to position Pedialyte Advancedcare, Advancedcare Plus, Sport, Immune Support, Classic, Fast Hydration and Electrolyte Drink Mix varieties as healthy in comparison to competitors’ products sweetened with sugar, has intentionally avoided disclosing to the public the significant health risks associated with sucralose and its byproduct, sucralose-6-acetate.

“Instead, Defendant markets and suggests the Products be used when children and adults are sick and dehydrated,” the class action lawsuit reads. “Thus, Defendant charges a price premium based on its representations of the Products as healthier zero sugar hydration beverages and powders and its omissions concerning sucralose’s and sucralose-6-acetate’s dangers.”

Sucralose linked to increased risk of serious health conditions, class action says

Per the filing, several studies have reported that sucralose, which is roughly 600 times sweeter than regular sugar, can significantly interfere with the body’s processes for controlling glucose and energy homeostasis, which can, in turn, induce or significantly worsen metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

The ingestion of sucralose, the complaint relays, can also lead to blood sugar destabilization and subsequent spikes, as well as increased glucose and insulin levels, which the suit argues are the complete opposite of what many consumers in search of sugar-free drinks, particularly those who are diabetic, are looking for.

The lawsuit goes on to state that aside from changes to blood sugar and insulin—which can negatively impact healthy, diabetic and pre-diabetic people alike—sucralose can cause gut dysbiosis, meaning it can significantly disrupt and cause imbalance in the body’s gut microbiome. This can lead to inflammation, potentially worsened insulin resistance and increased sugar cravings, the case shares. Moreover, heightened sugar cravings, the suit notes, can lead to the overconsumption of food and, subsequently, weight gain and potential obesity.

Crucially, however, the most dangerous effects of sucralose consumption come from its byproduct, sucralose-6-acetate, the Pedialyte class action lawsuit emphasizes.

Per the complaint, sucralose-6-acetate is a genotoxin, a substance that breaks up DNA strands, irreparably damaging a person’s DNA. The filing specifically notes that several studies have highlighted that sucralose-6-acetate showed increased activity in genes associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and cancer risk when exposed to the intestines.

The lawsuit emphasizes that even though the Pedialyte electrolyte drink products do not contain sucralose-6-acetate as an ingredient, it is always created as a byproduct when the human body metabolizes sucralose, meaning anyone who consumes the at-issue drinks or drink powders is still exposed to the genotoxin and its harmful effects.

Pedialyte lawsuit alleges sucralose content renders “healthy” claims false

Despite the well-researched health risks surrounding sucralose and sucralose-6-acetate, Abbott Labs nevertheless markets Pedialyte electrolyte drinks and powders as healthy, capitalizing on the increase in health-concerned consumers, the subsequent popularity of sugar alternatives and, the suit alleges, the average consumer’s lack of knowledge of the dangers of sucralose.

According to the suit, Abbott Labs continues to tout Pedialyte as “zero sugar,” containing “zinc and magnesium for immune support,” having “only 5 calories per serving” and “backed by science… since 1966,” purportedly to gain the interest and trust of consumers. The defendant even compares Pedialyte to competitors’ products that are sweetened with sugar, stating on Fast Hydration Powder Packs, for example, that the product “[h]as 2x the electrolytes and ½ the sugar of the leading sports drink” and is “[s]cientifically designed to work better for hydration.”

However, the complaint claims that if Pedialyte is “scientifically designed” and “backed by science,” then the manufacturer should have been aware of the health risks of sucralose, and especially of the genotoxic effects of digested sucralose being turned into sucralose-6-acetate.

The filing argues, though, that the most health-hazardous Pedialyte marketing tactic employed by Abbott Labs is its consistent messaging that the electrolyte drinks and powders are advisable for consumption by children and the elderly, when, in fact, very young or very old bodies are the most at risk for the negative effects of sucralose.

Who’s covered by the Pedialyte lawsuit?

The Pedialyte class action lawsuit seeks to represent anyone in Illinois, California, Massachusetts or New York who purchased Pedialyte electrolyte drinks and powders containing sucralose within the applicable statute of limitations period.

How do I get involved in the Pedialyte class action lawsuit?

Generally, you don’t need to do anything to join or sign up for a class action lawsuit when it is initially filed. However, if the case later resolves with a class action settlement, the settlement class members (meaning the people covered by the lawsuit) will usually be notified of the settlement and given instructions on how to claim any potential settlement benefits.

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