Perspectives on use of functional foods to improve quality of life of military submarine sailors: Pilot Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the prospects of using functional foods to improve the quality of life of military submarine sailors in a long voyage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. In an exploratory mixed randomized cohort controlled experimental longitudinal pilot study conducted in May-September 2023, the effect of functional foods in the form of instant beverages based on wild plants and berries on the quality of life of military sailors during a long underwater voyage was investigated. The results of the short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Russian version of the EQ-5L-3D questionnaire were used as an indicator of effectiveness. Two nuclear submarine crews participated in the study. In each crew, 30 people were selected for the main and control groups.

REESULTS. The dynamics of the quality of life indicators showed a statistically significant decrease in both groups at the end of the trips, which took place in a normal mode in the conditions of the White and Kara Seas. In the group that took the functional food product, at the end of the voyage statistically significantly higher was the score of satisfaction with support from friends, but lower was the score of satisfaction with living conditions compared to the control group. The decrease in the index of the visual analog scale of the European Quality of Life Questionnaire during the voyage in the experimental group that took the functional food product was three times slower compared to the control group. These data were confirmed by regression analysis, which established a statistically significant positive effect of functional food intake in conditions of prolonged underwater navigation on the index of the visual analog scale of the EQ-5L-3D questionnaire.

DISCUSSION. The results of the study, despite the increase in the comfort of working conditions on modern submarine projects, still indicate a decrease in vital signs, accumulation of fatigue, as well as the emergence of various negative changes in the mental sphere of military sailors. At the same time, the use of various methods of maintaining working capacity and endurance, including through proper nutrition of submarine sailors, can increase the efficiency of highly qualified military specialists. One of the directions in solving this problem can be a change in the concept of food provision of servicemen. At the same time, an important element in the modern concept of food provision for servicemen should be functional foods that have therapeutic and preventive effects and can purposefully manage physiological processes in the human body depending on the nature and conditions of the work performed.

CONCLUSION. The results obtained in this study indicate that the use of functional foods has a significant positive potential to improve the quality of life of military submarine sailors in the conditions of a long voyage.

marine medicine, functional foods, quality of life, submarine warfare sailors, WHOQOL-BREF, EQ-5L-3D, functional instant beverages

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