Human Fuel for Optimizing Cold Water Performance
Abstract
Given the high operational tempo and multilayered risks involved in cold water undersea operations, maximized cognitive and physical" performance is critical for operator safety and mission execution. A safe and tolerable approach to optimizing warfighter performance and resilience will be key for future cold water undersea operations. Ketones have been shown to improve mitochondrial bioenerg"etics and enhance energy production more efficiently than glucose. Because ketone bodies are small and water soluble, they readily c"ross the blood brain barrier to enhance and preserve brain metabolism. In addition to the physical performance benefits of ketosis t"hat have been demonstrated in numerous studies, research has shown that ketosis improves spatial memory impairment caused by hypobar""ic hypoxia, in addition to conferring neuroprotective effects in a variety of conditions, including CNS oxygen toxicity. Ketones hav"e also been previously suggested as a potential hypothermia mitigation technology. While fasting or severe carbohydrate restriction" can induce nutritional ketosis within 24-48 hrs, exogenous ketone ester (KE) supplementation can induce rapid (< 30 minutes) and su""stained (> 8hrs) ketosis in a predictable, dose-dependent manner. KE supplementation could be an optimal strategy for maximizing col"d water undersea operator performance and resilience. Understanding the optimal dosing and efficacy of KE supplements is critical prior to operational use.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 20, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812115
Entities
People
- Dawn Kernagis
Organizations
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy