title: Effect of ascorbic acid on rate of heat acclimatization.
abstract: There is some indication in the literature that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) may reduce the physiological responses to heat stress. Consequently, the effect of ascorbic acid ingestion on heat-strain indicators has been studied on a group of 60 mining recruits undergoing climatic room acclimatization. Of the 60 men, 19 received a daily dose of 250 mg ascorbic acid; 21 a daily dose of 500 mg ascorbic acid; and 20 received a placebo daily. Measurements of rectal temperature, heart rate, and hourly sweat rate were made on all subjects during the 4 h of heat exposure per day for 10 days. The wet bulb temperature was 32.2 degrees C, the dry bulb 33.9 degrees C, the air movement 0.4 m/s, and the work rate 35 W. The results indicate that the rate and degree of acclimatization, as assessed by 4th-h rectal temperature, is enhanced by ascorbic acid supplementation and that no differences in response could be shown between daily dosages of 250 and 500 mg of vitamin C.
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization / Q000187:drug effects*; D000328:Adult; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D006339:Heart Rate; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008906:Mining; D013546:Sweating; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001205:Ascorbic Acid