Heat Exposure Stress
and Electrolyte
Replenishment with
elete Electrolytes
elete Electrolyte Add-In, a division of Mineral
Resources International, Inc.
1990 West 3300 South
Ogden, UT 84401
801.731.7040
801.731.7985 – fax
www.eletewater.com
Overview
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Heat Stress Defined
Symptoms of Heat Stress
The Causes of Heat Stress
Limitations of Sports Drinks
Preventing Heat-Related Health Disorders with
elete Electrolyte Add-In
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Limitations of Sports Drinks
Advantages of elete Electrolytes
Comparing elete with Other Electrolyte-Replacement
Products
Further Risk-Reduction Strategies
What is Heat Stress?
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The human body attempts to
maintain an internal temperature
of 37° Celsius
 Hot weather, physical labor, other
heat sources can raise the body’s
temperature, which the body will
attempt to reduce by pumping
blood to the skin’s surface.
 The body will also try to lower its
temperature through sweat, i.e.,
water and minerals excreted
through the skin, which are then
evaporated to aid cooling.
 The adverse effects of heat stress
can range from mild to lifethreatening.
Symptoms of Heat Stress
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During physical labor, a body
can lose 1-2 litres of
water/hour.
After 2-3 hours of fluid loss, a
person can experience the
following adverse effects:
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Loss of energy/endurance
Physical discomfort
Feeling hot
Thirsty
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After 3 hours of exposure:
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Muscle cramps & fatigue
Headaches
Physical weakness
Loss of dexterity
Reduced alertness
Nausea
Seizures
After 3-6 hours, heat cramps,
heat exhaustion sets in. Heat
exhaustion leads to heat
stroke (an internal body
temperature of 40° Celsius or
more), which is life-threatening
and must be treated by trained
medical professionals.
Symptoms of Heat Stress
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Heat Rash
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Red, blister-like lesions
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Itching
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Heat Exhaustion
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Heat Cramps
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Excruciating muscle
cramps and spasms
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Headaches,dizziness,
weakness, nausea,
vomiting, extreme
sweating, dark-colored
urine, pale, clammy skin
Heat Stroke
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Nausea and vomiting, hot,
red skin (sunburn),
irritability, confusion,
seizures, collapse,
unresponsive, high body
temperature
Causes of Heat Stress
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Environmental Factors (temperature,
direct sun, heat humidity)
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The more direct sun, the greater the
risk
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Low or no wind
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Hot equipment & reflected heat
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Workload
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Clothing
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How much effort is being exerted?
Heavy, multiple layers, non“breatheable,” dark clothing k
Personal Risk Factors
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Drug and alcohol use
Existing medical conditions
(hypertension, heart conditions,
diabetes)
Medications (antihistamines, blood
pressure, heart,laxatives, mental
health, seizure, thyroid)
The Electrolytes in Sweat
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In a six-hour period
(under desert conditions),
sweat loss (and
corresponding electrolyte
losses) can measure:
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Sweat Loss: 3.5 litres
Potassium Loss: 23-70mEq
Na Loss: 72-244 mEq
During strenuous
exertion, magnesium
sweat losses can
approximate between 1025% of the daily loss.
The Limitations of Sports Drinks
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Sodium is not the only electrolyte lost in sweat.
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Most electrolyte-replacement drinks omit magnesium (Mg), an essential mineral that plays
a crucial role in the body
80% of cell ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is complexed with with Mg
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Mg involved in ensuring adequate blood flow to muscle and organs, maintains acid-base balance,
normalizes excitation and contraction in nerve and muscle—including cardiac tissue—involved in nerve
conduction, muscle contraction, membrane transport, cell division, even the synthesis of DNA and RNA.
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Magnesium acts as a “team captain” of the electrolytes; it keeps sodium outside the cell and potassium
inside the cell
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Magnesium is to the muscle what calcium is to the bones
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Maintaining optimal magnesium balance is crucial. The body does not “acclimatize” to magnesium
deficiency.
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Magnesium deficiency linked with heart disease, sudden cardiac death, insulin resistance
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Most people don’t consume adequate amounts of magnesium from foods (Green, leafy vegetables are the
predominant Mg-rich food source)
Most sports drinks are laden with sugar and artificial preservatives. Compared to sweat, they still
contain dilute amounts of sodium and potassium.
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It’s a common misconception that sports drinks can prevent hyponatremia, diluted blood-sodium levels
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Consumers of sports drinks will consume significant amounts of sugar long before they receive adequate
amounts of fluid and electrolytes
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It’s not uncommon for people to complain of nausea, GI distress while using sports drinks
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Makers of sports drinks assume sodium (Na) is the only or “main” electrolytes people lose
Na is the most consumed mineral in the diet. Therefore, it should come as no surprise it is excreted more
than any other electrolyte
Na is typically cheap to add to beverages; while other electrolytes (magnesium and potassium) are more
expensive
Limitations of Sports Drinks
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Many workers and athletes complain of
gastrointestinal (GI) upset and nausea using
sports drinks. Once this occurs, many will be
reluctant to continue to drink a sports drinks in
order to stay hydrated, prevent dehydration
(vicious circle)
Nausea and GI distress result in decreased
productivity
For workers (especially older) who might have
specific health considerations (hypertension,
diabetes, etc.), sports drinks high in sodium,
sugar pose unique challenges to their health
Overconsumption of energy-dense sports
drinks can lead to substantial weight gain in
workers
In providing sports drinks to its workers, many
workers have to be trained on how to overcome
problems such as strong distaste of the drinks,
mouthfeel (gagging), and GI distress assoc.
with these products (e.g., temperature)
Sports drinks (powders) have to be dissolved
and mixed according to manufacturer’s
guidelines
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The problems of too dilute vs. too
concentrated
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Messy
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Clean up required
Sports drinks are linked with accelerated
enamel erosion, dental caries, etc.
Preventing Heat Stroke
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Wear appropriate
clothing
Take regular breaks
Recognize the signs of
heat stress
Drink water frequently.
Add elete electrolytes to
drinking, portable water
to replace essential
electrolytes that
regulate fluid balance
Required fluid intake to maintain hydration during work
TWL
Level 1
(<140 W. m-2)
sitting, standing,
light hand/armwork
Level 2
(140-180 W. m-2)
sitting, standing,
heavy armwork,
walking with light
armwork
Level 3
(180-220 W. m-2)
walking, moderate
lifting or pushing
Level 4
(>220 W. m-2)
carrying, climbing,
whole body work
= 115
>1.2*
>1.2*
>1.2*
>1.2*
116-150
1.0-1.2
>1.2*
>1.2*
>1.2*
140-180
0.8-1.0
1.0-1.2
>1.2*
>1.2*
180-220
0.5-0.8
0.8-1.2
1.2
>1.2*
>220
0.3-0.5
0.5-0.8
0.8-1.0
1.2
Red indicates extreme thermal stress. Essential maintenance and rescue work only.
Orange indicates workload exceeds TWL. Work-rest cycling must be applied
Yellow indicates high thermal stress. No worker to work alone
Green indicates moderate thermal stress. No accimatised worker to work alone.
Blue indicates low thermal stress. Unrestricted self-paced work.
What is elete?
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elete Electrolyte Add-In is a pure, liquid,
electrolyte concentrate, which contains 4
essential electrolytes—magnesium,
potassium, sodium, and chloride—to
support fluid balance, muscle function,
energy production, heat tolerance, nerve
conduction, stamina, etc.
elete instantly infuses water with
essential electrolytes and, when mixed
as directed, adds minimal flavor. elete
makes pure electrolyte water that tastes
like water.
elete provides the same amount of
potassium, an essential mineral, as
Gatorade® and Powerade®, but also
provides magnesium, which is not
typically found in electrolytereplenishment drinks (sports drinks).
elete is a “must” for individuals, work
crews or anyone needed to maintain
adequate hydration, energy, and proper
muscle function under grueling
conditions of heat stress, fluid loss, and
exertion.
elete Electrolyte Add-In
Advantages of elete
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Balanced electrolyte profile. Four vs. two
elete contains magnesium, the “team captain” of electrolytes, essential for energy
production, muscle function, electrolyte control
When mixed as directed, elete adds minimal flavor to water
Very easy to mix and use.
Clean up is easy. elete will not stain, leave a residue, or contribute to the growth of
mold in coolers, hydration packs, canteens, etc.
Very safe, Generally Recognize as Safe, a U.S. Food and Drug designation.
In a published, peer-reviewed clinical study, those who drank plain water, drank 74%
more water to achieve the same level of hydration as those who drank water with
elete.
Backed by numerous testimonials from athletes (professional and amateur), coaches,
trainers, teams, workers
Certified free of all WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency)-banned substances
Manufactured at a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)-certified company.
Certification provided by NSF International
Tested for potency and purity at in-house quality assurance laboratory and
independent, third-party labs
Introducing new elete CitriLyte
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elete CitriLyte Add-In™ is a liquid, pure
electrolyte concentrate that contains four
essential electrolytes—sodium, potassium,
magnesium, and chloride—plus zinc and
citric acid (citric acid participates in the
Krebs energy cycle or the citric acid cycle for
energy conversion)
CitriLyte is designed to be added to water
to make functional electrolyte water for
workers. When mixed, it has a slightly tart
flavor almost as if you’d added lemon to the
water. When more CitriLyte is added, the tart
flavor increases to compensate for the
stronger electrolytes.
Using elete CitriLyte to make electrolyte
water will optimally hydrate workers by
replacing fluids and electrolytes lost in sweat
and during exertion. CitriLyte will help fight
heat stress
CitriLyte is ideal for workers who may be
sensitive to flavor or when you’re adding
electrolytes to tap water that already has a
noticeable taste.
elete CitriLyte Add-In
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No sugars, calories, carbs, artificial colors,
flavors, etc.
Add to water to keep workers optimally
hydrated
Will not stain, leave a color or flavor residue
in coolers or a sticky mess to clean up
Will not contribute to the growth of mold or
bacteria in coolers or bottles
May be used for workers who cannot
otherwise tolerate sports drinks (diabetics,
those with high blood pressure)
Three year shelf life. Shelf-stable under the
most vigorous temperature and
environmental conditions
Will not attract pests
Better value compared to name-brand
sports punch products
Available in a range of product sizes to suit
small and large work teams
Advantages of elete for
Industrial Applications
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Natural, healthy hydration (no added sugar, no artificial ingredients)
Reduce number of heat stress incidents
Provides a better balance of electrolytes lost in sweat (replaces four—
not two electrolytes)
The most cost effective solution available GUARANTEED
Flexible sizes from 24.6-ml to 1-gallon
Easy to mix and use
Because of its flexibility, workers can hydrate with water
Won’t cause GI distress
Used with great success by military personnel in medically treating
severe cases of heat stress
Clinically Proven to Improve
Hydration
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In a peer-reviewed published study (Wild &
Env Med, 19, 172-180 (2008), people who
drank water alone drank 74% more water
than those who drank electrolyte water
made with elete.
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“In summary, the addition of an electrolyte
mixture [elete] to plain water was associated
with a decrease in overall fluid consumption
of the water + electrolyte group by 220 mL
h-1 or 3.3 L  d-1.” –John S. Cuddy, et al.
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Commenting on the study, renowned
emergency physician and founding member
of the Wilderness Medical Society, Paul S.
Auerbach said, “This [study] suggests that
supplementing water with electrolytes might
reduce the amount of fluid necessary to
transport and consume during extended
activity. This would minimize excessive
weight, which in and of itself might
contribute to a lessening of fatigue.”
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Auerbach listed elete among his “Top 4
Items of Medical Equipment,” “…I will never
travel anywhere that I expect to need to stay
hydrated without bringing along elete.”
Further Risk-Reduction Strategies
(Our Recommendations)
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Distribute pocket bottles of elete Electrolyte Add-In individually to
workers to self-dose electrolytes through the work shift
Train workers on heat stress, heat stroke, and general hydration
strategies (both for themselves and co-workers) including when and
how much to drink and how they can use elete in their water or
beverages, food, etc.
Use the larger, elete refill bottles to mix elete and make electrolyte
water in all of the worker hydration stations, water coolers, hydration
packs, canteens, etc. available on each job site and to each worker
Designate point personnel who can supply workers with electrolyte
water and elete electrolytes at strategic times and locations to ensure
workers are receiving enough water and electrolytes
Staff aid stations with water and elete. Encourage workers to lie down,
rest, and drink water with elete.