Vasodilation associated with supplement use: potential concern for military aviators.
Military aviators are exposed to high G environments while performing certain tactical aircraft maneuvers. G forces endured during such maneuvering have been shown to reduce mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) at eye level by 22 mmHg for every G endured, leaving the average aviator with a resting G tolerance of approximately 5 to 5.5 G before losing consciousness. Many sports performance supplements on the market today contain compounds that are boasted to increase vascularity and reduce muscle recovery time. Usage of such supplements has demonstrated a reduction of MAP by as much as 16 mmHg after 1 h of dosing and could potentially lower one's G tolerance by 14%. Military aviators should proceed on the side of caution due to the potential threats that exist with consuming such products until a formal study can be conducted to investigate this matter further.
Aerospace and Operational Physiology, Physiological Training Unit, U.S. Air Force, 590 Mitchell Blvd., Laughlin AFB, TX 78843, USA. daniel.catrambone@us.af.mil
Daniel E
DE
Catrambone
Steven W
SW
Dawson
D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061215:Energy Drinks / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects*