Hydration Interventions Among Agricultural Workers: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the impact of hydration interventions on postworkday hydration status and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods: Thirty agricultural workers were first monitored on a workday without any interventions. On the intervention workday, the same workers were randomized to one of two groups: 169 ounces (oz) (5 L) of plain water (n = 16) or 169 oz (5L) of water with electrolytes (n = 14).

Results: No participants in the electrolyte group had an estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the end of the workday of less than 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 or met the criteria for AKI in comparison to the water group (eGFR < 90: 15%; AKI: 23%) or the control group (eGFR < 90: 28%; AKI: 18%).

Conclusion: The study showed that drinking water with electrolytes may lower the risk for development of AKI among agricultural workers.