Usually, people obtain all their required nutrients from the food that they eat. But where they start to experience a shortage of the latter in their diets, or where they are trying to increase their intake of a certain specific nutrient in order to amplify its effect, they may resort to supplements to achieve this aim or to complete their dietary composition. Military grade supplements are one source of added nutrients, and a very significant one.
Military training and activities are possible one of the most taxing environments of all. The physical demands placed on soldiers exceed those in other occupations. They need to be able to perform their duties in any situation, in any environment. The training of even the lowest-ranked infantry entails activities such as steady marching for more than 25 miles per day while wearing a backpack weighing in excess of 50lb. Guns such as the standard issue M-16 assault rifle easily weigh more than 10lb, unloaded.
This makes the supplements that they use of interest to people in other life situations too. Retail pharmacies only supply ordinary commercial supplements, and these do not necessarily have the same intensity of nutrient presence in them. Their commercial packaging is also expensive and adds to their price.
Selecting the right supplement out of the massive range available should be based on two considerations - the purpose of the supplement usage, and what nutrient or nutrients are being targeted in this usage. You should also remember basic common sense in using a supplement, in addition to identifying the right one for your situation.
One of the most commonly targeted vitamins is Vitamin C. There are supplements that only supply this one nutrient, and no other. Scientifically, it's known as ascorbic acid, but this name is never used in its marketing material. There are two reasons why it is used in supplements. The first is the most marketed one, which is its immune function. It defends the body against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. But it's also a component of tissue structures, where it provides strength.
Those who are in a situation of compromised immunity should consider this supplement. Infections such as flu or colds are one example of such situations, as are conditions of deprivation, such as when the diet is decreased or living conditions are more extreme.
Another use of Vitamin C is to accelerate the healing of skin and soft tissue injuries. Since ascorbic acid is involved in the generation and repair of these tissues, using a supplement can cause them to heal faster and better. Vitamin A (retinol) is also useful for this purpose. Using a Vitamin A supplement might cause the skin to become noticeably healthier. Incidentally, Vitamin A is present in the eye's retina (the part at the back that is sensitive to light) and in the liver. It's toxic in large doses.
Using a supplement should be just that - supplementary. They should not be relied on as a staple part of the diet. Some nutrients can potentially be taken in overdose amounts, while others start to alter the metabolism over time. Taken for too long, they can cause negative symptoms when they are stopped. The user should never develop dependency on a supplement. They should rather be taken for specific purposes for relatively shorter periods of time.
Military training and activities are possible one of the most taxing environments of all. The physical demands placed on soldiers exceed those in other occupations. They need to be able to perform their duties in any situation, in any environment. The training of even the lowest-ranked infantry entails activities such as steady marching for more than 25 miles per day while wearing a backpack weighing in excess of 50lb. Guns such as the standard issue M-16 assault rifle easily weigh more than 10lb, unloaded.
This makes the supplements that they use of interest to people in other life situations too. Retail pharmacies only supply ordinary commercial supplements, and these do not necessarily have the same intensity of nutrient presence in them. Their commercial packaging is also expensive and adds to their price.
Selecting the right supplement out of the massive range available should be based on two considerations - the purpose of the supplement usage, and what nutrient or nutrients are being targeted in this usage. You should also remember basic common sense in using a supplement, in addition to identifying the right one for your situation.
One of the most commonly targeted vitamins is Vitamin C. There are supplements that only supply this one nutrient, and no other. Scientifically, it's known as ascorbic acid, but this name is never used in its marketing material. There are two reasons why it is used in supplements. The first is the most marketed one, which is its immune function. It defends the body against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. But it's also a component of tissue structures, where it provides strength.
Those who are in a situation of compromised immunity should consider this supplement. Infections such as flu or colds are one example of such situations, as are conditions of deprivation, such as when the diet is decreased or living conditions are more extreme.
Another use of Vitamin C is to accelerate the healing of skin and soft tissue injuries. Since ascorbic acid is involved in the generation and repair of these tissues, using a supplement can cause them to heal faster and better. Vitamin A (retinol) is also useful for this purpose. Using a Vitamin A supplement might cause the skin to become noticeably healthier. Incidentally, Vitamin A is present in the eye's retina (the part at the back that is sensitive to light) and in the liver. It's toxic in large doses.
Using a supplement should be just that - supplementary. They should not be relied on as a staple part of the diet. Some nutrients can potentially be taken in overdose amounts, while others start to alter the metabolism over time. Taken for too long, they can cause negative symptoms when they are stopped. The user should never develop dependency on a supplement. They should rather be taken for specific purposes for relatively shorter periods of time.
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