Are you going to take that??

Capt Wendi Dick

Flight Surgeon, 363 EARS Ext 7600

1Lt Nereyda Sevilla

Aerospace Physiologist Ext 7049

Human Trend

2000 B.C….Here, eat this root.1000 A.D….Roots are heathen.

Say this prayer.1850 A.D….Prayer is superstition.

Drink this potion.1940 A.D….That potion is snake oil.

Swallow this pill.

What have we come to?

1985 A.D….That pill is ineffective.

Take this antibiotic.2000 A.D….That antibiotic is artificial.

Here, eat this root

USAF Policy

• AFI does not prohibit the use of dietary supplements except– anabolic steroids– hemp oil– Nutriva bars

• Aircrew must report use to Flight Surgeon• 24 hour DNIF after last dose of many

substances

But is it a Safety Concern?

• No pharmaceutical testing or safety requirement

• Anecdotal reports of aviator use• Behavioral Changes

– unknown SA & SD effects • Cardiovascular effects

– Lower G tolerance

What can I take?• OTC Medications

Skin antisepticsTopical antifungals1% hydrocortisone creamSingle doses of aspirin, acetaminophen,

or ibuprofen for minor aches and painsAntacidsPepto BismolHemorroidal suppositoriesNasal sprays

There’s More!!

• Vitamins and Minerals– Stay below 100% DV and Tolerable UL– Look for “USP”

• Amino Acids (creatine)– Get a good diet instead– Hydration key

Avoid

• Hallucinogens (Hallucination or SD)– California poppy– Kava-kava– Magic mushrooms– Nutmeg– Periwinkle– Thorn Apple

Avoid

• Sedatives (drowsiness, slow reaction time, SD)– Valerian Root– Snakeroot– Deadly Nightshade– Hemlock– Opium Poppy– Passion Flower– Jimson Weed

Avoid

• Cardiovascular Effects (Palpitations, MI)– Ephedra– Broom– Indian Snakeroot– White Squill– Yellow Foxglove

Avoid

• Liver Poisons (besides the alcohol)– Borage– Chaparral– Comfrey– Germander– Life root– Thread leafed groundsel

Specific Questions on what you are taking ask the FS or physiologist!