Project Number: 5450-51530-009-03
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: May 26, 2005
End Date: Mar 31, 2009

Objective:
This project will evaluate the feasibility of determining sweat losses of mineral elements in humans during periods of controlled physical activity. This study is an initial effort to develop a valid and reliable method to determine surface mineral losses. This method is needed to improve assessment of mineral nutritional needs of physically active people.

Approach:
The cooperator will recruit and enroll skilled athletes to participate in the approved study to determine the effects of physical activity on body sweat losses. The cooperator will provide unique sweat collection apparatus and position them on various sites of the body before controlled physical activities, monitor mineral-containing beverage intake, then remove the sweat collection devices. Sweat will be extracted and sent to the USDA, ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center for determination of mineral concentrations. Data will be shared between ARS and cooperator scientists and prepared for publication in a scientific journal.