Army Seizes body Building agents.

BigDuffman

An article in the Sunday Tribune caught my attention.

The PA's have confiscated a load of supplements (namely protein and creatine powders) off troops heading over-seas to Chad.

The Director of the Medical Corps has discouraged use of any dietary supplements.

The author sums it up nicely by saying "The supplement ban is the latest bizzare directive to affect the troops serving over-seas in tough desert conditions..."

He goes on to list the prohibited sports due to hard ground etc.

Considering the Irish ration packs used to contain Protein Supplement Bars, the DFPES has advertisments for supplements in its locker rooms and that the "those of who we do not speak" Compound has its very own supplement shop.

Not to mention the fact that the BA / TA actively promote the proper usage of supplements "fueling the forces etc" particularly in hot / cold climates.

The reason given was that they are worried that it will interfere with their medication, which is completely baseless.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Changed.

But if you want, I can change it to more accurately reflect the articule - or would you rather we left it spoofed up a little?.

.

BigDuffman

Thanks and what would that be?:D

arybvtcw0eolkf

BigDuffman wrote: »

Thanks and what would that be?:D

Well you have the title mention "body building agents", where did you get that from?.

.

Manic Moran

I don't understand the appeal of those supplements, but they are very big in the US Army. I accompanied my boss and a few colleagues to a GNC shop for refills of those gallon-sized containers of protein powders yesterday, as it happens.

There are some supplements which are recommended to avoid, but simple protein powders aren't on the list.

NTM

BigDuffman

Well the whole physique and general fitness aside. The benefits of nutritional supplements for soldiers are huge.

A soldier in the field requires more out of their food than the average athlete. Sitting behind a desk. After intense periods of exercise there is less time to sleep ,recover and replenish. Not to mention the levels of physiological factors and increased stress associated with training and / or being on active operations.

Recovery and builder Supplements like Protein / Creatine that contain glutamines, BCAAs etc. reduce likelihood of injury and increase recovery rates.

From a recent study of Marines going through Basic Training.

"Nutrients supplemented immediately post-exercise during the 54-day basic training were either placebo , control, or the protein supplement. The results were telling and impressive. Compared with placebo and control groups, the protein-supplemented group had an average of 33% fewer total medical visits, 28% fewer visits due to bacterial/viral infections, 37% fewer visits due to muscle/joint problems, and an astounding 83% fewer visits due to heat exhaustion. Furthermore, the study found muscle soreness immediately post-exercise was reduced by protein supplementation versus placebo and control groups. The researchers concluded "Postexercise protein supplementation may not only enhance muscle protein deposition but it also has significant potential to positively impact health, muscle soreness, and tissue hydration during prolonged intense exercise training, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for the prevention of health problems in severely stressed exercising populations"

From the same 1998 study 78% of the Naval Special Warfare community poled currently use a variety of nutritional supplements. Along with nearly 85% of Army rangers.

I dont have the brit statistics to hand but the rates are similiar. Considering this is 10 years ago I'm sure the figures are higher.

Poccington

So, are you in a better position to pass judgement than the Director of the Medical Corps on what should and should not be used Overseas?

BigDuffman

We're all entitled to opinions and I am of the opinion that there has been no documented cases of the type of supplements that the lads are currently taking ( according to the article and from what I know they are mainly protein and creatine powders) causing any adverse side effect appart from aromatic farts.

My opinion is based on the experiences and trials done by both the British and US when serving over-seas.

I'm not claiming to know more than the Director of Medical Corps. Merely offering an educated opinion (which I thought was the purpose of these boards?). I'm all for educated reasoning but something the likes of this which is founded on pure conjecture never rings through with me.

Rew

BigDuffman wrote: »

The reason given was that they are worried that it will interfere with their medication, which is completely baseless.

What medication are they on?

BigDuffman

Does not say specifically but mentions Malria tablets / perscription tablets.

Poccington

Rew wrote: »

What medication are they on?

The lads over there are taking Larium.

minidazzler

Rew wrote: »

What medication are they on?

Probably all the regular ones for such a climate, anti-Malaria meds stuff like that.


TBH, I think the Director is just taking the simple way out with a blanket ban. Rather than go through the contents and possible hazards of such substances. To me the Medical Corps, or at least the people in charge are quite backwards anyway. In that they don't accept anything that might have the tinyest chance of going bad. Such as Laser Eye surgery and the like.

Poccington

Just on a side note since the Yanks are being mentioned, there's no supplement use allowed during RIP, Ranger School and SFAS, protein can be used during BUD/s but is actively discouraged and PJ/ CCT Indoc allows only what the Cadre provides.

I'm sure the Director of the MC has there reasons for not allowing it and it's barely an issue even worth raising. Just more sensationalist ****e from our darling newspapers.

BigDuffman

minidazzler wrote: »

TBH, I think the Director is just taking the simple way out with a blanket ban. Rather than go through the contents and possible hazards of such substances. To me the Medical Corps, or at least the people in charge are quite backwards anyway. In that they don't accept anything that might have the tinyest chance of going bad. Such as Laser Eye surgery and the like.

Hit the nail on the head.

Fair enough that they dont want to be seen to actively promote use amongst its members (which is wide spread and very obvious). But a ban without proper reason is ridiculous. Alcohol is proven to have worse side effects regarding absorption rate and has a far more detrimental effect on health.

Lads who want to maintain size and physique might have problems due to the quality and quantity of food types available.

And where is the line drawn? Hydration powders / drinks fall under the blanket so. Even Vitamin / Zinc / Magnesium and Cod Liver oil are also considered supplements.

pmg58

BigDuffman wrote: »

Alcohol is proven to have worse side effects regarding absorption rate and has a far more detrimental effect on health.

I was under the impression that it was a dry trip anyway.

Poccington

pmg58 wrote: »

I was under the impression that it was a dry trip anyway.

It is a dry trip.