Don't forget to take your vitamins before you dive. New Study

[thor]

Researchers have found that a single scuba air dive (30 meters depth for 30 minutes) is enough to induce mild changes in cardiac function and a significant decrease in endothelial function. Whether these effects are long-term, and thus pose serious threat to divers’ health, is not yet certain.

However a new study, published in The Journal of Physiology, shows that acute oral intake of largely accepted antioxidants Vitamin C and E prior to a scuba dive can reduce alterations in cardiovascular function, particularly acute endothelial dysfunction. Authors suggest that pre-dive intake of antioxidant vitamins may prevent some of the negative effects of diving on vascular function.

Can antioxidants protect scuba divers?

Take Your Vitamins Before Scuba Diving

or for the those who want to read the complete article.
The effects of acute oral antioxidants on diving-induced alterations in human cardiovascular function -- Obad et al. 578 (3): 859 -- The Journal of Physiology Online

[Tom A]

never heard that before

[divingyogini]

Interesting, but the one flaw I see in the study is that for 4 weeks prior to the experiment the divers were not taking any vitamin supplements.

I'm wondering what the results would be for people who take a daily multivitamin, which of course includes C and E and if there is any different between taking an additional dose of antioxidant specific vitamins versus just the regular multivitamin.

And I also want to know their diet, such as how many oranges and avocados do they get on a regular basis.

Still, it's good advice for people to eat balanced diets, especially while traveling.

[kancho]

Interesting. I guess that is good to know. Though I already take Vit C supplements.. V

[SarahBella]

Wow, that is interesting. Can't wait to show my SO...he is dead set against taking them.

[setesh]

C & E are known to have this affect with normal forms of strenuous exercise, so I think it only follows that their effect on a diving body would be somewhat similar. At the very least they should help manage free radical production.

[cheebaweebie]

I actually have a heart murmer (diagnosed last year) and my doc (cardiologist) told me that vitiman C is really good before and between dives.
I do now take lots of vitimans... Nothing will keep me from diving ;-)
even though I do now get annual checks ups

[cutter77]

Originally Posted by cheebaweebie

I actually have a heart murmer (diagnosed last year) and my doc (cardiologist) told me that vitiman C is really good before and between dives.
I do now take lots of vitimans... Nothing will keep me from diving ;-)
even though I do now get annual checks ups

Thanks for the info...I passed it on to my dive buddy who has a heart murmur.

[Lone Frogman]

30 meters for 30 minutes on air will put you into a deco dive.

[BuzzGA]

Interesting stuff...when I see my Dr for the annual check...I'll pass the study along to him