Environmental Influences on Body Fluid Balance during Exercise - Cold Exposure.

Body fluid losses in cold climates can be similar to those in hot environments. Fluid loss results from sweating and increased respiratory water losses as well as cold induced diuresis. Additional studies are needed to further document the magnitude of cold-induced dehydration as well as the specific distribution of these losses throughout various body water compartments. Fluid intake in cold environments can be reduced as a result of logistical constraints in fluid delivery, problems with water freezing, reduced thirst sensation, and voluntary fluid restriction. Dehydration,negatively influences physical and cognitive performance as well as thermoregulation and possible susceptibility to peripheral cold injury. The research is needed to determine the direct effects of cold-induced dehydration on thermoregulatory responses to cold and susceptibility to peripheral cold injury. Recent experimental findings suggest that ingestion of glycerol in drinking water might be an effective countermeasure to reduce or delay cold-induced dehydration and the associated decrements to performance. Additional countermeasures and aids for maintaining hydration during cold exposure should be explored.