WATER AND SALT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESERT OPERATIONS
Abstract
Water balance studies and chloride excretions were conducted on 52 subjects; 37 men from a light-tank company during maneuvers, 10 medium-tank crewmen during instructional periods and 4 members of the laboratory staff. All liquid intake and urinary output was measured and recorded - evaporative water loss determined by weighting. For the period of the study a drinking water ration of 2 gallons per day was required by the majority of men. One gallon per day even under mild temperature conditions was inadequate and caused lowering of efficiency. All tank crew members required about the same amount of water. Water requirements greater than those noted are encountered at higher temperatures and with greater activity. Salt balance was maintained in all subjects without extra salt. Conditions were not severe, however, and the men were well acclimatized. Salt tablets were unsatisfactory in a sufficient number of instances to make advisable other means of increasing salt intake. No advantage in physical well-being or economy of water was gained by limiting water drinking to meal time only.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 12, 1942
- Accession Number
- AD0652257
Entities
People
- Norton Nelson
- William B. Bean
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Laboratory