Alcohol Consumption for Heat Stress

Overseen By Nicholas Ravanelli, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Lakehead University

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, Diabetes, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 2 hours

34 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how drinking alcohol (ethanol) affects the body's response to extreme heat, such as indoor conditions during a heatwave. Researchers aim to determine if alcohol alters heat tolerance beyond causing dehydration. The study compares alcoholic beverages to non-alcoholic ones to assess differences in how individuals feel and cope with heat. It seeks participants over 19 who do not have certain health issues, such as heart disease or diabetes, and are not dependent on alcohol. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding alcohol's effects on heat tolerance.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that drinking alcohol can alter how the body manages heat. Some studies have found that alcohol can make the skin feel warmer and increase sweating immediately after consumption. While this might seem like a cooling effect, it can actually hinder the body's ability to cope with heat.

Other studies have linked alcohol consumption to a higher risk of serious heat-related issues, such as heatstroke, particularly during hot weather or heatwaves. In these conditions, alcohol consumption may increase health risks.

Although alcohol might seem like a way to stay cool or hydrated, it can actually impair the body's ability to handle heat. Those considering participation in a study on alcohol and heat should be aware of potential risks, especially in hot weather. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores an unconventional approach to managing heat stress through alcohol consumption. Unlike standard methods, which often involve hydration and rest, this trial investigates whether ethanol might have a unique impact on how our bodies handle heat. By examining the effects of consuming alcohol at specific dosages for males and females, researchers aim to uncover new insights into ethanol's role in thermoregulation. This could potentially lead to novel strategies for addressing heat-related conditions.

What evidence suggests that alcohol consumption might be an effective strategy for managing heat stress?

This trial will compare the effects of alcohol consumption with a placebo on body temperature regulation during heat stress. Studies have shown mixed results regarding alcohol's impact on body temperature in hot weather. Some research suggests that alcohol consumption can increase health risks during heatwaves by potentially interfering with the body's temperature control. Although some believe alcohol might cause dehydration, a recent review found that moderate alcohol consumption does not significantly affect hydration or temperature perception compared to non-alcoholic drinks. This indicates that while alcohol is often considered risky in the heat, strong evidence is lacking to fully support this notion. More studies are needed to understand alcohol's effects on the body during extreme heat, particularly across different ages and genders. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults who experience stress from COVID-19, are exposed to heat stress, and consume alcohol. It's not clear what specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are set for participants.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to provide informed consent

I am over 19 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

History of alcohol addiction or dependence

Been hospitalized due to COVID-19

Pregnant/Breastfeeding

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume either alcohol or a placebo beverage and are monitored for physiological and perceptual responses during heat exposure

2 hours

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Ethanol

Trial Overview The study tests how drinking alcohol versus a placebo beverage affects the body's response to heat. It aims to understand if alcohol changes physiological responses and perceptions during extreme indoor heat events in different age groups.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Alcohol Active Control 1 Intervention

Consumption of alcohol beverages: females 0.75 ± 0.1 grams of ethanol/kilogram body mass; males 1.0 ± 0.1 grams of ethanol/kilogram body mass

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Placebo (non-alcoholic beverage)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Lakehead University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

29

Recruited

3,900+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11391823/

The effect of alcohol consumption on human physiological ... Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) consumption is ostensibly known to increase the risk of morbidity and mortality during hot weather and heatwaves.

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39267036/

The effect of alcohol consumption on human physiological ... Conclusion: The effect of alcohol consumption on thermoregulatory responses is understudied, and is limited by moderate doses of alcohol ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-heat-stress-disorders-11-2023-77843

Alcohol Consumption for Heat Stress Research indicates that ethanol can influence body temperature regulation, as it has been shown to enhance hypothermia (lowering of body temperature) in certain ...

4. ehjournal.biomedcentral.com ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-024-01113-y/tables/2

The effect of alcohol consumption on human physiological ... Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) consumption is ostensibly known to increase the risk of morbidity and mortality during hot weather and heatwaves.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266727822500029X

Impacts of extreme heat on mental health: Systematic ... It was assumed, rather than demonstrated, that higher levels of psychological stress or alcohol consumption would increase the risk of developing mental illness ...

6. ncceh.ca ncceh.ca/resources/evidence-briefs/archived-heat-advice-alcohol-and-caffeine

[ARCHIVED] Heat advice: Alcohol and caffeine Alcoholism was found to be associated with an increased risk of heatstroke (RR: 15, 95% CI: 1.9 to 120); the mechanism behind this association ...

7. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/383984663_The_effect_of_alcohol_consumption_on_human_physiological_and_perceptual_responses_to_heat_stress_a_systematic_scoping_review

The effect of alcohol consumption on human physiological ... Background Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) consumption is ostensibly known to increase the risk of morbidity and mortality during hot weather and ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0741832905001503

Effects of alcohol on thermoregulation during mild heat ... Skin blood flow and chest sweat rate in the alcohol session significantly increased over those in controls 10 min after drinking. Deep body temperature in the ...

9. newsroom.uw.edu newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/no-safe-level-alcohol-scientific-study-concludes

No safe level of alcohol, scientific study concludes Three million deaths in 2016 were attributed to alcohol, which carries "massive health risks," according to a paper today in The Lancet.