Naval Health Research Center - Extreme Enviroments
PMC antioxidant micronutrient formulation decreased the levels of certain markers of oxidative damage in some 1st Tank Marines during 12-weeks of training. This study was performed in collaboration with Dr.
PMC Antioxidant Micronutrient Program for Biological Protection Against Combat and Non-Combat Environmental Stressors – Naval Health Research Center (NHRC), San Diego, CA and Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, VA
Increased oxidative stress due to enhanced production of free radicals derived from oxygen and nitrogen is involved in the initiation and progression of most acute and chronic human illnesses including mental disorders. During training, troops are exposed to extreme environmental conditions such as high altitude, extreme temperatures, and increased physical activity leading to exhaustion and muscle fatigue. It has been estimated that most personnel experience some adverse conditions during training that may be primarily related to increased oxidative damage. In combat, they additionally may be exposed to diesel fumes, hydrocarbons, solvents, explosives, blast waves, as well as to infective agents. The exposure to these agents produces extensive amounts of free radicals and significantly increases oxidative stress. Agents such as explosives and infective agents may also induce inflammation. These effects may suppress immune function thereby increasing the risk of infection, impair performance, decrease feelings of well-being, and the ability to focus and delay response to impending risks. Therefore, attenuation of the levels of oxidative damage and inflammation may be essential for reducing acute and long-term adverse consequences of environmental stressors.
Antioxidants are known to reduce oxidative damage in both animal and human studies. Therefore the use of appropriate antioxidants appears to be a rational choice to reduce these effects during training and in combat. Most human studies to date have utilized a single antioxidant such as vitamin E or beta-carotene. As expected, this design produced inconsistent results because any individual antioxidant when administered to high risk populations with a high internal oxidative environment becomes oxidized and acts as a free radical. This does not happen if the same antioxidant is taken in a multiple antioxidant preparation. In a recent prospective randomized clinical study, the PMC Optimal Health formulation reduced oxidative damage and increased immune function in normal volunteers. PMC has recently completed a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial that showed daily supplementation with PMC’s military formulation can reduce markers of oxidative damage in a subgroup of military personnel at the
PMC Antioxidant Micronutrient Program for Biological Protection Against Combat and Non-Combat Environmental Stressors – Naval Health Research Center (NHRC), San Diego, CA and Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, VA
Increased oxidative stress due to enhanced production of free radicals derived from oxygen and nitrogen is involved in the initiation and progression of most acute and chronic human illnesses including mental disorders. During training, troops are exposed to extreme environmental conditions such as high altitude, extreme temperatures, and increased physical activity leading to exhaustion and muscle fatigue. It has been estimated that most personnel experience some adverse conditions during training that may be primarily related to increased oxidative damage. In combat, they additionally may be exposed to diesel fumes, hydrocarbons, solvents, explosives, blast waves, as well as to infective agents. The exposure to these agents produces extensive amounts of free radicals and significantly increases oxidative stress. Agents such as explosives and infective agents may also induce inflammation. These effects may suppress immune function thereby increasing the risk of infection, impair performance, decrease feelings of well-being, and the ability to focus and delay response to impending risks. Therefore, attenuation of the levels of oxidative damage and inflammation may be essential for reducing acute and long-term adverse consequences of environmental stressors.
Antioxidants are known to reduce oxidative damage in both animal and human studies. Therefore the use of appropriate antioxidants appears to be a rational choice to reduce these effects during training and in combat. Most human studies to date have utilized a single antioxidant such as vitamin E or beta-carotene. As expected, this design produced inconsistent results because any individual antioxidant when administered to high risk populations with a high internal oxidative environment becomes oxidized and acts as a free radical. This does not happen if the same antioxidant is taken in a multiple antioxidant preparation. In a recent prospective randomized clinical study, the PMC Optimal Health formulation reduced oxidative damage and increased immune function in normal volunteers. PMC has recently completed a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial that showed daily supplementation with PMC’s military formulation can reduce markers of oxidative damage in a subgroup of military personnel at the