[Replacement of fluid lost due to sweating in a hot working-environment].

Replacement of fluid lost due to sweating in a hot working-environment was determined by measuring the body weight of 14 workers (53.6 +/- 7.1 years old) 5 times during a working day. They were engaged in repairing and/or maintaining blast furnaces in an environment of 27.9-42.6 degrees C in WBGT. The amount of fluid consumption from a free intake of either green tea and tap water or green tea, tap water and glucose-electrolyte solution (Pocari, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., referred to as G-E solution) was compared. The body weight loss during work was 1.70 +/- 0.70 kg when free intake of fluids plus G-E solution was allowed, while it was 1.60 +/- 0.65 kg when G-E solution was not allowed. Fluid intake with G-E solution was 1.03 +/- 0.35 l, and they could rehydrate 61%. Without the G-E solution fluid, was 0.75 +/- 0.37 l (47% rehydration). Fluid intake with G-E solution was significantly (p < 0.05) larger than that without it. The body weight difference between pre -ad post-work was significant (p < 0.001), i.e., it was 0.26 +/- 0.52 kg while drinking G-E solution and 0.52 +/- 0.53 kg without it. These results suggest that restoration of body fluid after thermal dehydration takes place much faster when consuming G-E solution.