Interesting Info About Military Grade Supplements

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.

Obviously, the supplements that soldiers use should be of significance to people in more ordinary professions. Commercial pharmacies stock the ordinary retail supplements that you may be familiar with. These might not contain the same concentration of nutrients as the military alternative. Also, commercial packaging adds to their price.

The choice of supplement also depends on what its user intends to use it for. There are different options in terms of supplement use, and the intended purpose also determines which one to use and what nutrient(s) to target. Then there are also basic guidelines for their use and how to decide on which one is the most appropriate.

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.

People whose immune systems are under strain can use Vitamin C to assist their recovery or general functioning. Sickness is the obvious example, but where the diet has been compromised or their living conditions are hostile, they can use this supplement too.

Since it assists in tissue growth, Vitamin C can also assist the healing of lacerations and cuts in the skin and soft tissues. The use of a supplement at such times can cause faster healing of these wounds. This is related to the action of Vitamin A (retinol), which has a similar effect. Vitamin A in the form of a supplement can actually make your skin look healthier. It is also important in the eye's retina (the photosensitive part at the back of the eyeball) and the liver, but should be used with caution because it is poisonous in overdose amounts.

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.