Effects of a Nutrient-Enriched Beverage on Host Defense Mechanisms of Soldiers Completing the Special Forces Assessment and Selection School

摘要

We evaluated a liquid supplement containing antioxidants, indigestible carbohydrate, structured lipid, and vitamins and minerals for its effects upon the immune responses of soldiers participating in the U.S. Army Special Forces Assessment and Selection School. Subjects on the experimental supplements as well as controls lost approximately 6.4 pounds in 3 weeks with an estimated daily expenditure of 5040 Kcals. The in vivo measurement of cellular immune function, delayed type skin hypersensitivity at exit, suggested that subjects in the treatment group bad a greater response (p = 0.07) and fewer subjects in the treatment group were anergic (18% vs 39%). The pattern of change in white blood cells and lymphocyte lumbers and subsets were consistent with increased risk of infection during training with some attenuation of these effects with the supplement. This study provided a comprehensive evaluation of immune function and yielded evidence supporting the hypothesis that specific nutritional supplements may enhance immune function, especially under stressful conditions or scenarios.