STUDIES ON ACCLIMATIZATION AND ON THE EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID IN MEN EXPOSED TO COLD

Abstract

This experiment was planned to study the problem of acclimatization in humans and to determine the effect of ascorbic acid in men exposed to cold while being fed a normal or survival ration. Ascorbic acid has greatly improved the resistance of men exposed to cold and fed a survival ration. No beneficial effect was observed when the subjects were fed a normal ration. This difference in response may be due to the fact that the experimental conditions differed somewhat between these two experiments. In any event, the subjects on a restricted food intake were certainly under greater conditions of stress. Evidence of acclimatization was obtained with survival rations but not with normal rations. Some conclusions have been made on the use, by men exposed to cold, of survival rations composed exclusively of carbohydrates. Finally, it is estimated that 2800 calories is the daily requirement for men relatively inactive, wearing only shorts, low shoes, and socks, and exposed to an ambient temperature of 60°F.