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Clinical Trial
. 2020 Dec;62(12):e696-e703.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002033.

Electrolyte Beverage Intake to Promote Hydration and Maintain Kidney Function in Guatemalan Sugarcane Workers Laboring in Hot Conditions

Lyndsay Krisher  1 , Jaime Butler-Dawson, Hillary Yoder, Daniel Pilloni, Miranda Dally, Evan C Johnson, Diana Jaramillo, Alex Cruz, Claudia Asensio, Lee S Newman
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Electrolyte Beverage Intake to Promote Hydration and Maintain Kidney Function in Guatemalan Sugarcane Workers Laboring in Hot Conditions

Lyndsay Krisher et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate impact of electrolyte supplementation on hydration status and health outcomes in Guatemalan agricultural workers performing heavy work under hot climatic conditions.

Methods: A 3-week pragmatic trial was conducted with a group of 50 workers during the 2017 to 2018 sugarcane harvest. Workers received an electrolyte hydration intervention during 2 of the 3 weeks. Blood and urine samples were collected each week.

Results: Increased electrolyte intake resulted in less muscle injury. Kidney function was maintained across the intervention period. Workers were adequately hydrated and average electrolyte levels remained in normal ranges. Mild indications of hyponatremia occurred at higher levels of fluid intake.

Conclusions: This trial demonstrates the feasibility of maintaining workers' electrolyte levels under extremely hot and humid conditions while mitigating muscle injury. Electrolyte supplementation should be added to standard workplace water, rest, and shade interventions to protect workers.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Financial Interests: University of Colorado and Pantaleon are separate, independent organizations. University of Colorado employed appropriate research methods in keeping with academic freedom, based conclusions on critical analysis of the evidence and reported findings fully and objectively. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by the University of Colorado in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.

The authors disclose no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Study design.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
A–B: Muscle breakdown by week. A: Muscle breakdown, measured by creatine kinase (CK), by intervention week. B: Creatine kinase (CK) level (U/L) per hour worked, by intervention week.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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