Considerations for Replacement Beverages: Fluid-Electrolyte Balance and Heat Illness

摘要

This article emphasizes the specific need (or lack of need) for carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions, which soldiers experience during duty in hot environments. Because this article will focus on fluids and electrolytes, it is helpful to reiterate the following aspects of their reports: a) Gatorade was used in dilute form, at 2/3 (Alltz) and 1/4 (Donovan) strength, b) meals were sacrificed so that the mission could be accomplished, and c) a rigorous hydration program virtually eliminated heat illness at a time when the other U.S. personnel experienced significant casualties. Carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement fluids may be necessary in some, but not all, military field situations. The greatest need for carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement fluids will be experienced by soldiers who a) lose more than 8 L of sweat per day; b) are not heat acclimatized (e.g. during the initial 8 days of field living); c) are performing a prolonged, continuous exercise bout (> 60 min); d) kip meals, have meals interrupted, or encounter anorexia due to a hot environment; e) experience a caloric deficit > 1000 Kcal/day; or f) are ill with diarrheal disease. The fluid-electrolyte needs of soldiers will be specific to the intensity, frequency and duration of the exercise involved, as well as the environmental stress encountered. (AW)