Quick answer: Both are oral electrolyte products built around sodium, potassium, chloride and a little sugar. Pedialyte is the better-known option for treating dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea. Vivalyte is a sachet drink mix sold mainly in Southeast Asia and positioned for everyday hydration and daily electrolyte needs, especially for kids.
Not to be confused with Vitalyte, a separate US electrolyte powder brand formerly known as Gookinaid.
What is Vivalyte?
Vivalyte is an electrolyte drink mix made in Indonesia and sold in single-use sachets. The label says it helps meet the minimum daily electrolyte requirement, falls within the standards of FNRI-DOST and the American Academy of Pediatrics for a maintenance solution, and has fewer calories and less carbohydrate than consumer sports drinks. watsonswatsons
For children’s daily needs, you dissolve one sachet in 200 mL of water. Adults can use two or more sachets depending on activity and workout intensity. watsons
What is Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is a mix of water, dextrose and electrolytes designed to replace fluids lost during illness, exercise or dehydration. Pedialyte Classic is labeled to help prevent mild to moderate dehydration caused by vomiting, diarrhea, exercise, travel and extreme heat. It comes as a ready-to-drink liquid, powder packs and freezer pops. biologyinsightsmckesson
Electrolyte comparison
| Vivalyte (1 liter, 5 sachets) | Pedialyte Classic (1 liter) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium | 40 mEq | 45 mEq |
| Potassium | 20 mEq | 20 mEq |
| Chloride | 40 mEq | 35 mEq |
| Sweeteners | Dextrose, sucralose, acesulfame potassium | Dextrose, sucralose, acesulfame potassium |
| Intended use | Daily maintenance of hydration | Rehydration during illness, heat, exercise |
The Vivalyte figures come from the manufacturer’s directions: one liter provides 40 mEq of sodium, 20 mEq of potassium and 40 mEq of chloride. Pedialyte Classic provides 45 mEq of sodium, 20 mEq of potassium and 35 mEq of chloride per liter. watsonsmckesson
The two are close on potassium and in the same range on sodium. The main difference is how each is positioned: Vivalyte as a maintenance drink, Pedialyte as a rehydration solution.
Sugar and ingredients
Both rely on a small amount of dextrose to help the body absorb sodium and water. Pedialyte Classic has about 13 g of sugar per liter, compared with about 58 g in a leading sports drink. Vivalyte also claims lower calories and carbohydrates than sports drinks. abbottstorewatsons
Both use artificial sweeteners and flavoring. Vivalyte’s orange flavor lists sucralose, acesulfame potassium and artificial colorants. Pedialyte Classic lists sucralose, acesulfame potassium, zinc gluconate and artificial colors. watsonsabbottstore
Which one is better for dehydration?
For vomiting or diarrhea, Pedialyte is the more established choice. It is marketed as the #1 doctor-recommended brand for hydration. It is labeled for use under medical supervision for the dietary management of mild to moderate dehydration. abbottstoremckesson
Vivalyte’s label focuses on maintaining hydration and meeting daily electrolyte needs rather than treating illness. For active dehydration, check with a doctor or pharmacist before choosing a product.
Which one is better for kids?
Both are marketed for children. Pedialyte’s label says kids under one year should ask a doctor which Pedialyte product is appropriate. Vivalyte’s directions are for children’s daily maintenance. For infants, follow your pediatrician’s advice.
Which one is better for adults and exercise?
Pedialyte says its formula suits both kids and adults. Vivalyte directions suggest adults use two or more sachets depending on activity and intensity. Neither is a replacement for water in normal conditions, and both help most after real fluid loss from sweating, heat or illness. abbottstorewatsons
Availability
Pedialyte is widely sold in US pharmacies and grocery stores. Vivalyte is sold through retailers like Watsons in the Philippines. Availability is likely to be the deciding factor for many readers. watsons
Are they equally effective?
There’s limited head-to-head research on Vivalyte. Research on similar solutions suggests the exact brand matters less than the electrolyte and sugar balance. In a double-blind trial of children with viral gastroenteritis, Gatorade was as effective as Pedialyte at correcting dehydration, though the study was funded by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. newswise
The bottom line
- Pick Pedialyte for stomach bugs, diarrhea, vomiting and general rehydration, especially if you want a widely recommended, widely available product.
- Pick Vivalyte if you live where it’s sold and want a low-calorie sachet for daily electrolytes or active kids.