The effect of work level and dietary intake on water balance and the excretion of sodium, potassium and iron in a hot climate

Abstract

1. The dietary intake, and urinary, cutaneous and faecal loss of water, sodium, potassium and iron have been studied in young men living and performing moderate work in a hot climate. The dietary intakes of K and Fe were lowered during part of the study.2. The subjects were already somewhat acclimatized to heat; further acclimatization was achieved when they were performing work, and this was assessed in terms of the increase in their rate of sweating.3. The subjects tended to be in marginally negative Na balance, partly owing to lowered Na intakes. Intakes and outputs of K were in balance. Losses of K in sweat amounted to 15% of intake when the dietary level was reduced.4. The subjects were slow in adapting to changes in Fe intake, 8 d being an insufficient period for adaptation after their intake had been halved. Losses of Fe in sweat were approximately 0·3 mg/d, or one-third of the estimated requirement for absorbed Fe.5. It is concluded that Fe losses in sweat could be a significant factor in Fe depletion if dietary Fe was low or unavailable, as there was no evidence that a low intake and absorption affected sweat losses.