In 2009, when Peter Andoni’s youngest son Alex was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 7, Peter began more closely inspecting the ingredients of the foods and beverages he provided to his children.

He noticed that every time Alex would come off the field or the ice, parents would provide his teammates with sugary sports drinks, and though Alex would look to him to see if he could join in, Peter would always have to tell him no.

Having a background in food as co-owner of Shield’s Pizza, Peter, frustrated by the absence of healthy sports drinks for his son, decided that rather than waiting for a drink to be created, he would take matters into his own hands. Seeing the void in the market, he created Nutri-Twist Wow Water.

In addition to providing “healthy hydration,” Peter wanted to take his endeavor an extra step in supporting individuals with type 1 diabetes, he wanted to support finding a cure.

Keeping in mind the needs of his diabetic son, Peter created the drink to be an all-natural sports drink with only 10 carbs per bottle and filled with vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. At only 40-45 calories per bottle, the drink is free of artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, caffeine, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts and tree nuts. The drink also is certified gluten free.

In addition to providing “healthy hydration,” Peter wanted to take his endeavor an extra step in supporting individuals with type 1 diabetes, he wanted to support finding a cure. For each bottle of Nutri-Twist Wow Water sold, a portion of sales go to JDRF.

Available in more than 60 retailers and locations throughout Southeastern Michigan and on Amazon.com, Peter is encouraged by the support for his sports drink and has plans in the works to expand throughout Michigan and into Ohio. And his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed in the news, with coverage on television by WDIV-TV, FOX 2 News and WXYZ-TV, as well as on the radio on News/Talk WJR 760 and Channel 955 and in the news by the Detroit Free Press and MSN.com.

For more information about Nutri-Twist Wow Water, visit www.nutritwistwater.com.