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Ginkoa Biloba or Ginseng to improve Color Vision and Depth Perception?
- Thread starter J-Do
- Start date
gaijin6423
Ask me about ninjas!
I'm no doc (god help you all if I were), but I seem to recall that ginko biloba is a mild stimulant and has some un-verified chemical properties. Consequently, it was frowned upon--if not outright banned--by the docs. I do remember being told by a doc not to take it though. Someone (feddoc I think) posted a good NAMI link that outlined banned substances a while ago, so I suggest you do a quick search for that thread.
And I've never heard of ginko biloba being used to enhance color vision or depth perception before. The girlfriend (admittedly NOT a flight doc, but a pharmacist) says it's mainly used as a memory-enhancing substance, but that there's no direct evidence, FDA or otherwise, that suggests the stuff actually works, though. I forgot to ask about ginseng.
Look for that thread and the corresponding link, though.
And I've never heard of ginko biloba being used to enhance color vision or depth perception before. The girlfriend (admittedly NOT a flight doc, but a pharmacist) says it's mainly used as a memory-enhancing substance, but that there's no direct evidence, FDA or otherwise, that suggests the stuff actually works, though. I forgot to ask about ginseng.
Look for that thread and the corresponding link, though.
I'd be really careful about what you're taking...the FDA does not regulate vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements, so manufacturers are not require to list all ingredients. There was a study a few years ago that found prescription medication and random chemicals in some of those pills and drinks...everything from caffeine to vicodin to viagara, blood thinners, and amphetamines. Taking supplements can really be dangerous, even when they're chemical free, they also interact with any other medications you may be taking or that would be administered in case of an emergency.
I worked in NCAA athletics and 90% of the positive drug tests we had were kids who were taking vitamins or supplements. If you choose to take something, just be very careful to research the brand and be sure to list it on any medical forms you have to fill out. Medically I'd advise anyone who is subject to random drug tests to stay away from all that stuff, the risk of testing positive is just too high. If you want to improve your vision spend less time infront of the TV or computer and more time outside.
For more information and guidance from the FDA on supplements:
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/202_supp.html
It's from 2002, but the general principles still apply and the links from the page are still good
I worked in NCAA athletics and 90% of the positive drug tests we had were kids who were taking vitamins or supplements. If you choose to take something, just be very careful to research the brand and be sure to list it on any medical forms you have to fill out. Medically I'd advise anyone who is subject to random drug tests to stay away from all that stuff, the risk of testing positive is just too high. If you want to improve your vision spend less time infront of the TV or computer and more time outside.
For more information and guidance from the FDA on supplements:
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/202_supp.html
It's from 2002, but the general principles still apply and the links from the page are still good
Prohibited by those in aviation. Perhaps it is a bit easier to list what IS allowed:
Class A stuff: requires documentation on physical....
Sports drinks without creatine, ephedra or herbal supplements.
Protein supplements
Vitamins and minerals
Tonic water...although it may interfere with positional ques.
Class B stuff: Not prohibited, but gotta tell the Flight Surgeon and gotta be documented in your medical record.
Glucosamine in any form
Saw Palmetto
Class C stuff: just about everything else. Use is prohibited.
http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/NAMI/WaiverGuideTopics/Dietary Supplements Policy.pdf
Class A stuff: requires documentation on physical....
Sports drinks without creatine, ephedra or herbal supplements.
Protein supplements
Vitamins and minerals
Tonic water...although it may interfere with positional ques.
Class B stuff: Not prohibited, but gotta tell the Flight Surgeon and gotta be documented in your medical record.
Glucosamine in any form
Saw Palmetto
Class C stuff: just about everything else. Use is prohibited.
http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/NAMI/WaiverGuideTopics/Dietary Supplements Policy.pdf
skidkid said:
I guess the "quinine" is what can jack you up over time. The same place I read this also did a survey and found tonic based drinks were most popular among pilots. Who doesn't love a vodka tonic highball with a few limes?
(I read this about 6 years ago, no idea where)
I saw that guy on the survival video eat saw palmetto, and he was just trying to stay alive.
My favorite story from my history major was a British expedition down the Nile with soldiers and missionaries (the whole love Jesus or die kinda stuff) the missionaries lectured the British Offciers on the evils of drinking (they were drinking a lot of Gin and tonic). Well all the missionaries all died of malaria while the quinine in the drunks system gave them immunity
We had a flight doc brief us a while back and he mentioned quinine poisoning. He said that, while its effects are temporary, they can be felt for a while after the intake occurs. He didn't say we couldn't drink any tonic drinks (not that that would matter), but to be aware that you are a lot more susceptible to vertigo after ingesting it.
