Abstract
Saturation diving is an occupation that involves prolonged exposure to a confined, hyperoxic, hyperbaric environment. The unique and extreme environment is thought to result in disruption to physiological and metabolic homeostasis, which may impact human health and performance. Appropriate nutritional intake has the potential to alleviate and/or support many of these physiological and metabolic concerns, whilst enhancing health and performance in saturation divers. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to identify the physiological and practical challenges of saturation diving and consequently provide evidence-based nutritional recommendations for saturation divers to promote health and performance within this challenging environment. Saturation diving has a high-energy demand, with an energy intake of between 44 and 52 kcal/kg body mass per day recommended, dependent on intensity and duration of underwater activity. The macronutrient composition of dietary intake is in accordance with the current Institute of Medicine guidelines at 45–65 % and 20–35 % of total energy intake for carbohydrate and fat intake, respectively. A minimum daily protein intake of 1.3 g/kg body mass is recommended to facilitate body composition maintenance. Macronutrient intake between individuals should, however, be dictated by personal preference to support the attainment of an energy balance. A varied diet high in fruit and vegetables is highly recommended for the provision of sufficient micronutrients to support physiological processes, such as vitamin B12 and folate intake to facilitate red blood cell production. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, are also recommended to reduce oxidised molecules, e.g. free radicals, whilst selenium and zinc intake may be beneficial to reinforce endogenous antioxidant reserves. In addition, tailored hydration and carbohydrate fueling strategies for underwater work are also advised.
Highlights
Saturation diving is a unique and challenging occupation, which exposes the body to a range of extreme environmental and physiological stressors [1,2,3]
Results from this study showed that supplementation of vitamin C (600 mg) and E (150 mg) diminished oxidative damage in the liver; to the authors’ knowledge, this has been the only study to investigate antioxidant supplementation in this environment [49]
Summary and conclusions This review aimed to provide nutritional recommendations for saturation divers based upon the physiological and practical challenges encountered by these individuals
Summary
Saturation diving is a unique and challenging occupation, which exposes the body to a range of extreme environmental and physiological stressors [1,2,3]. The purpose of this review, is to explore the physiological and practical challenges associated with this occupation These challenges will be considered within the context of current nutrition guidelines for general and athletic populations, in order to establish specific nutritional recommendations to optimise health and performance of individuals in this unique and challenging occupation. It is beyond the scope of this review to provide an in-depth review of the physical characteristics or physiological and pathophysiological concerns of saturation diving. Readers are directed to alternative reviews for such information [1,2,3]
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