Will IQ mix break a fast? A guide to electrolytes and your fasting goals

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to some research, any caloric intake can technically disrupt the body's metabolic state, with some defining a fast as a complete abstention from calories. However, given its minimal 10-15 calories per packet, the question remains: will IQ mix break a fast or can it be used as a safe, hydrating supplement during a fasting window?

Quick Summary

A single packet of IQ mix, with its low calories and zero sugar, typically will not break a fast aimed at metabolic goals, though it does technically contain a small number of calories that would violate a strict fast.

Key Points

Strict Fasting vs. Metabolic Goals: Any calories break a strict fast, but a low-calorie, no-sugar product like IQ mix is generally acceptable for metabolic fasting goals.
Minimal Caloric Impact: With only 10-15 calories per serving, IQ mix is unlikely to significantly raise insulin levels or disrupt ketosis or fat burning.
Zero Sugar and Stevia: The use of stevia instead of sugar is key to maintaining a fasted state for metabolic purposes, as it prevents a significant blood glucose spike.
Electrolyte Replenishment: For longer fasts, IQ mix provides essential electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to help prevent dehydration, headaches, and fatigue.
Brain-Boosting Benefits: The inclusion of Lion's Mane and magnesium in IQ mix can support mental clarity and focus, which is a beneficial side effect during a fast.
Check Your Fasting Protocol: Always consider your specific fasting protocol and goals before deciding if IQ mix is right for you during your fasting window.

Understanding the Different Rules of Fasting

To answer whether IQ mix breaks a fast, it's crucial to first define what 'breaking a fast' means, as it depends on your specific fasting goals. Not all fasting protocols are the same, and the rules differ depending on your objective.

The Strict 'Purist' Fast

In the most stringent definition, a fast is broken by consuming any food or beverage that contains calories. This perspective prioritizes complete caloric abstinence to activate cellular repair processes like autophagy. For a purist fast, even the minimal calories in a low-carb, low-calorie drink would be considered a fast-breaker.

The Metabolic 'Metabolic Goals' Fast

For most people practicing intermittent fasting for weight loss or metabolic health, the goal is not to achieve zero calories but to keep insulin levels low. When insulin levels are elevated, the body stores fat. By keeping them low, the body stays in a fat-burning state (ketosis). From this perspective, a small amount of calories, especially from sources that do not spike insulin, are generally acceptable. This is why beverages like black coffee and unsweetened tea, which contain negligible calories, are widely accepted during the fasting window.

A Nutritional Breakdown of IQ Mix

IQ mix is a popular hydration and electrolyte supplement known for its brain-supporting nutrients. Here's what's inside a typical packet:

Calories: Approximately 10-15 calories per serving.
Carbohydrates: 1-3 grams of total carbohydrates, with 0g of sugar.
Electrolytes: A blend of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Brain Nutrients: Magtein® Magnesium L-Threonate and Lion's Mane mushroom extract.
Sweetener: Stevia plant extract.

The Low-Calorie Factor

With just 10-15 calories, the amount of energy provided by IQ mix is extremely small. For metabolic fasting, this is generally considered insignificant. The body remains in a fasted, fat-burning state because this low caloric load is unlikely to trigger a significant insulin response. The calories are mainly derived from the ingredients, not added sugars or carbs.

The Role of Sugar and Sweeteners

One of the most important factors for fasting is avoiding sugar, which causes a significant insulin spike. IQ mix contains 0 grams of sugar and is sweetened with stevia, a non-caloric plant-based sweetener. This is a crucial distinction. Unlike drinks with sugar or artificial sweeteners that can trigger an insulin response, stevia does not, making IQ mix compatible with metabolic fasting goals.

IQ Mix vs. Strict Fasting vs. Metabolic Fasting


Feature	Strict 'Purist' Fasting	Metabolic 'Goals-Oriented' Fasting	IQ Mix Consumption
Caloric Intake	Zero tolerance for calories	Minimal calorie intake allowed	10-15 calories per serving
Sugar Intake	Zero tolerance for sugar	Zero tolerance for sugar	0g sugar
Insulin Response	Aims for absolute zero response	Aims to maintain low insulin levels	Unlikely to cause significant insulin spike
Key Goal	Autophagy, cellular repair	Fat burning, weight loss, metabolic health	Hydration, electrolytes, mental clarity
Verdict for IQ Mix	Breaks the fast	Does not break the fast (for most)	Acceptable for most fasters

When to Use IQ Mix During a Fast

If you are following a fasting protocol for metabolic benefits, IQ mix can be a valuable tool, especially during longer fasting windows (e.g., 16:8, 18:6). Here are some scenarios where it is beneficial:

For Dehydration: Electrolytes like sodium and potassium are crucial for hydration, and fasting can deplete them, especially in the early stages. IQ mix helps replenish these minerals.
To Combat 'Keto Flu': Many new fasters and keto dieters experience fatigue, headaches, and brain fog due to electrolyte imbalance. IQ mix can help alleviate these symptoms.
For Mental Clarity: The added Lion's Mane and magnesium can support focus and mental energy, helping you feel better during your fasting period.

Tips for Maximizing Benefits

Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts. If you are extremely sensitive to any caloric intake, you may choose to avoid it.
Stick to Metabolic Goals: If your primary goal is autophagy, stick to water. If it's weight loss or managing metabolic health, IQ mix is likely safe.
Choose Plain Flavors: While all IQ mix flavors are low-calorie and sugar-free, some prefer unflavored electrolytes to avoid any potential insulin response from natural flavorings, though this is not a concern with IQ mix.

For more detailed information on their product and ingredients, you can visit the IQBAR website: https://www.eatiqbar.com/blogs/news/electrolytes-for-fasting-why-supplementing-is-essential.

Conclusion: The Verdict on IQ Mix and Fasting

Ultimately, whether IQ mix breaks a fast depends on your personal definition and goals. For a strict, purist fast where any caloric intake is forbidden, yes, it would technically break the fast due to its minimal caloric content. However, for the vast majority of individuals practicing intermittent fasting for metabolic health, fat burning, or weight loss, a single serving of IQ mix, with its low calories and zero sugar, will not disrupt your goals. The benefits of maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance during a fast often outweigh the minimal caloric impact. It is a valuable tool for staying hydrated, especially during longer fasting windows, without triggering a significant insulin spike.

Frequently Asked Questions

The key difference is the threshold for caloric intake. A strict fast requires zero calories, while a metabolic fast is aimed at keeping insulin levels low for fat burning, meaning very low-calorie items that don't spike insulin, like IQ mix, are generally acceptable.

Each packet of IQ mix contains approximately 10-15 calories, depending on the flavor.

No, stevia is a non-caloric sweetener and does not cause a significant insulin spike. This makes IQ mix suitable for maintaining a metabolic fasting state.

Electrolyte supplementation can help prevent symptoms of dehydration, such as headaches and fatigue, which can occur during fasting as the body flushes out water and minerals.

For longer fasting periods (over 24 hours), electrolyte supplementation becomes increasingly important. IQ mix can be a great way to replenish crucial minerals and support your body, especially as you lose electrolytes.

Yes, many people experience symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and brain fog, often referred to as 'keto flu', due to electrolyte imbalance during fasting or keto dieting. The electrolytes in IQ mix can help alleviate these symptoms.

No, the Lion's Mane mushroom extract in IQ mix is not a significant source of calories or carbohydrates and will not interfere with your fast. It is included for its potential cognitive benefits.