Question:
Has anyone else gotten diarrhea after drinking Crystal Light on an empty stomach?

I rushed out the door this morning without breakfast. I always drink Crystal Light, and truth be told, it's the only way I get all my water in, well...this morning I tried a new flavor I hadn't had before (Pineapple Orange) and drank it on an empty stomache (because I skipped breakfast). Well, shortly after drinking it, I have had the WORST diarrhea. I am pre-op (having surgery on the 23rd), but I think I should know if this is related to the Crystal Light. I have never gotten sick off of it before, but this is a new flavor. I ate lunch, but I am still racing to the bathroom every 15 minutes! Thanks for your input.    — Erinn D. (posted on February 4, 2004)

February 4, 2004
Any chance you have food allergies or intolerances? I have intollerance to oranges and anything orange flavored gives me flu like symtoms. The more of the item I have eaten/drank the worse the symtoms. Also there may be something different in the ingredients of this new flavor that just doesn't agree with your system. Did you eat any sugar alcohols (sugar free products) the night before? If yes, they can have a laxative like effect even the next day. Hope you find the answer.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 4, 2004
I haven't had any problem with any of the Crystal Lite flavors I've tried but did have some sugar free ice cream Saturday and had MAJOR problems with diarhea. It lasted several hours. First time I've had that problem since surgery but can recall having it before surgery and did not know that sugar alcohols could cause it. Also, wheat products, which I'm allergic to, can cause the same reaction in me so maybe you're allergic to some ingredient in the new flavor.
   —  SCbabe B.

February 5, 2004
I thought that I was the only one! If I drink crystal light on an empty stomach, which only happens in the morning, I get cramping followed by diarrhea. It only happens with certain flavors like lemonaid and pineapple orange, the ones that have a tart or acidic flavor. I assume it is too harsh on my empty stomach. Those are my favorite flavors too. I just dont drink them first thing in the morning any longer. Take care! Mary RNY 6/4/02
   — maryburton

February 5, 2004
You know, I used to have the same problem before sugery. Especially when I drank the Raspberry Ice. It did it to me every time. I don't know why.
   — Morna B.

February 5, 2004
I'm still pre-op, but from past experience it's the aspartamine that causes the diahrea. I also just read a lengthy article that gave lots of reasons why no one should eat anything with aspartamine as an artificial sweetener. It can make you very sick in the long run.
   — janiej

February 5, 2004
Nope! Never had it. I drink Crystal Light every morning at 5am for my morning walk at gym. I drink the strawberry/orange/banana...Mmmmmmmmmm I also drink a carb solution too. I get at least 45-50 ozs from 5 am to 7:30am during workout. Best of Luck...
   — Hazel S.

February 5, 2004
yes yes yes. especially if i make the crystal light full strength instead of really diluted like i usually drink it. patsy in las vegas
   — PATSY N.

February 5, 2004
I second on Raspberry Ice, but thats the only flavor that has "done" it to me
   — Laurie B.