GNC Holdings Inc., an internationally famous supplement business, released LIT energy drink: a reasonably potent, low-calorie, and sugar-free energy drink.
Most components of LIT are plant-based and synthetically manufactured. However, a few fall under a grey area, so I’d have to say that the drink is non-vegan.
There are no animal by-products in the caffeine anhydrous, sweetener, amino acids, NeuroFactor, or elevATP. Still, the origins of some ingredients such as Glycerin and acetylated monoglycerides are sometimes non-vegan.
Read on for an in-depth analysis of various ingredients in LIT and their sources.
Contents
Ingredients in LIT Energy
LIT energy drink contains a wide variety of ingredients which are listed as follows.
- Carbonated Water
- Caffeine Anhydrous
- CarnoSyn Beta Alanine
- Nitrosigine
- Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
- Soy oil
- Citric acid
- Potassium sorbate
- Sorbitol
- Glycerin
- Acetylated monoglycerides
- Polysorbate
- Tartaric Acid
- Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide
- Sucralose as artificial sweetener
- Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Is LIT Vegan?
The vegan diet eliminates all animal products from your diet and encourages you to eat exclusively plant-based foods.
The majority of LIT Energy’s components are plant-based, ensuring they come from plants, fruits, and vegetables. However, it also contains the following products whose origins fall under a grey area or are simply considered non-vegan:
- Glycerin
- Acetylated monoglycerides
- Polysorbate
Other substances are synthesized in the lab and contain no animal products in the manufacturing process.
| Ingredient | Source | Is it Vegan? |
| Carbonated Water | Natural / Synthetic | YES |
| Caffeine Anhydrous | Coffee Plants | YES |
| CarnoSyn Beta Alanine | Plants | YES |
| Nitrosigine | Synthetically Produced | YES |
| Micronized Creatine Monohydrate | Synthetically Produced | YES |
| Soy Oil | Soy Beans | YES |
| Citric Acid | Citrus Fruits | YES |
| Potassium Sorbate | Sorbic Acid & Potassium Hydroxide | YES |
| Sorbitol | Dried Fruits | YES |
| Glycerin | Plant Oils / Animal Products | UNKNOWN |
| Acetylated monoglycerides | Synthetically Produced | NO |
| Polysorbate | Vegetable Oils / Fatty Acids | UNKNOWN |
| Tartaric Acid | Grapes | YES |
| Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide | Synthetically Produced | YES |
| Sucralose | Synthetically Produced | YES |
| Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose | Wood pulp and Cotton Linters. | YES |
Is Taurine in LIT Vegan?
Taurine is a usual ingredient found in energy drinks. Many question the importance and health benefits of Taurine, so to cut it short, here are the benefits of Taurine:
- Enhances cognitive and cardiovascular functions.
- Helps in nerve growth.
- Help people with diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), and inflammation.
- Boosts energy and increases athletic performances.
Taurine in LIT Energy is vegan mainly because, contrary to popular belief, it is synthesized rather than derived from the urine of bulls.
Does LIT help you Lose Weight?
LIT Energy can potentially help you lose weight.
Caffeine is a fat burner. It increases metabolism and so aids in the conversion of fats stored in the body into energy that the body can use.
The muscles in the body are capable of rigorous workouts as energy levels rise, allowing you to reach, if not exceed, your fitness goals.
More importantly, energy drinks like LIT provide you the energy so you can power through your physical activities to stay in shape!
Is LIT Good For You?
LIT Energy isn’t harmful to your health unless you eat it in large quantities. It can be beneficial if taken in moderation and not misused.
A single can of LIT Energy will provide you with an energy boost and increase your endurance and physical performance.
Energizers like caffeine present in LIT will give you the energy boost you’re looking for, increase your metabolism and help you stay healthy. However, it would be beneficial to limit on how much LIT Energy you use to avoid adverse health repercussions.
Are There Artificial Sweeteners in LIT?
Sucralose and acesulfame potassium, both vegan sweeteners, are used in LIT Energy.
Sucralose is a popular artificial sweetener and is much sweeter than regular sugar with no harsh aftertaste. It is synthetically produced and does not include any animal ingredients. Sucralose, on the other hand, is subjected to animal testing.
Caffeine Amount in LIT
The caffeine content in LIT energy drinks is relatively high.
The caffeine content in energy drinks ranges from 60mg to 200mg. On the other hand, a 16 fl. oz can of LIT energy drink has 250mg of caffeine, which is a lot. An adult should not drink more than 400mg of caffeine per day. As a result, caffeine-sensitive individuals should avoid having LIT.
Caffeine in excess may be exceedingly hazardous, causing side effects such as increased adrenaline, irregular heartbeats, sleeping problems, anxiety, etc.
Watch the video below for a more in-depth guide to the dangers of a high amount of caffeine.
Calories in LIT
A daily calorie intake of around 2000 calories for healthy adult women and 2500 calories for healthy adult men is recommended.
On the other hand, a proper calorie intake is governed by several factors such as lifestyle, height, age, and weight. LIT energy drinks provide only around 1% of the recommended daily calorie amount; this beverage merely adds a few calories to your daily calorie intake.
Don’t worry about the calories in your energy drink if you’re attempting to lose weight. Each 16 fl. oz can of LIT energy drink has just 20 calories.
Is LIT Safe to Drink?
Yes, overall, LIT energy drink is safe for consumption.
It is low in calories and sugar-free; hence, the chances of it causing obesity are meager.
The only concerning factor here is the high caffeine content. An adult can only safely consume one can of LIT energy drink per day; it should be consumed in moderation and due to this beverage’s alarmingly high caffeine content, that it should not be made a part of your daily diet.
Chances are you could become dependent on it and fall victim to caffeine addiction and caffeine toxicity. Overconsumption could lead you to crave more than one can of a LIT energy drink which could prove extremely dangerous for your health as your total caffeine intake for the day would exceed 100mg over the safe limit.
So, moderation and discipline are key here. Anything beneficial could become poison for you if the rule of moderation is let go.
Is LIT Energy a Pre-Workout Drink?
Due to its high caffeine content, sugar-free, and low-calorie properties, LIT Energy drink can be used as a pre-workout drink before an intense workout session.
Like any other pre-workout drink, it’ll give you similar benefits needed to increase your stamina and physical performance during your workout sessions.
Is LIT Safe for Children and Teenagers?
No. LIT energy drinks include a lot of caffeine.
It is a potent drink with strong reactions and should not be used by children, teens, or pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Though experts recommend a daily limit of 100mg for teenagers, it is still not advisable to consume either below or too much of it.
LIT Energy Alternatives
LIT Energy drink is a potent and strong drink with severe side effects for those who do not have a high caffeine threshold.
The following are milder alternatives to LIT Energy drinks that will nonetheless give you a boost before a long day.
Other Notable Mentions:
Final Thoughts
Based on the above deductions and ingredients, it can be rightfully concluded that LIT energy drink is not safe for consumption for individuals on a vegan diet.
Three of the ingredients in LIT have unclear sources, and Acetylated Monoglycerides are labeled non-vegan. All other products present are either synthetically produced or sourced from vegan products.
If you are looking for a vegan energy drink to add to your diet, LIT energy is not the right option.