Barker PD. Reduced G tolerance associated with supplement use. Aviat Space Environ Med 2011; 82:140–3.
Background:
High G forces encountered in tactical military aviation and aerobatic flight produce a host of physiologic responses aimed at preserving
cerebral perfusion. The military has instituted measures to augment the physiologic response in order to avoid G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) because of its potential to cause a catastrophic mishap.
Case Report:
The case presented here details a Naval Aviator who experienced
reduced G tolerance over two successive flights with a temporal relationship of starting a new supplement. Two components of the supplement, coenzyme Q10 and niacin, are highlighted here for their hemodynamic effects. After stopping the supplement the aviator regained his normal G tolerance
and had no further issues in flight. There are several factors that can reduce G tolerance and supplement use has to be considered here because of the potential for altering the normal physiological response to increased G force. Our discussion reviews the physiological effects of increased
G force, the spectrum of signs of decompensation under the stress of G force, and the potential effects this supplement had on the normal physiological response to increased G force, thus reducing the aviator's G tolerance.