The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide - Uniformed Services ...

effects of rEPO are actually similar to those seen in an athlete who trains at altitude. In orderfor these changes to occur, the athlete must have an adequate iron intake and maintain anaerobic training schedule.The increase in red blood cell production can cause a number of significant adverseeffects. High blood pressure, a flu-like syndrome, and a sluggish bloodflow are the mostcommon. Bloodflow becomes sluggish when the percentage of red blood cells reaches55%. Normal ranges are 40% to 48% in men and 36% to 45% in women. Sluggish bloodflow causes a variety of complaints, including headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears,visual changes, and chest pain. Other possible complications are heart attack, seizure, orstroke due to a blockage of blood flow. Up to 18 deaths due to rEPO have been reported incyclists. The use of blood doping or rEPO is prohibited by all sport governing bodies aswell as the military.DHEADHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone released by your adrenal glandsinto your bloodstream each morning; from there it travels to other tissues and is convertedinto small amounts of testosterone (estrogen for women). It has been shown that levels ofDHEA decline with age, and this finding has created a sensation among the manufacturingworld. Although DHEA has been available for decades, it has only been on the market sinceabout 1994. It is now being touted as the miracle drug of the 21st century. There is noquestion that it is a miracle drug to the companies producing and selling it, but the truebenefits in humans has not been determined. The various claims being advertised forDHEA include:" Lengthening of life" Prevention of cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis" Burning of fat stores" Stimulate libido" Boosts energy levels and mood" Enhances immune systemNone of these claims have been demonstrated, and there are a number of reasonswhy it may be hazardous. As stated previously, DHEA is a hormone and it can be convertedto testosterone. Increased testosterone levels could increase your risk of prostate cancer.The other potential dangers of DHEA will unfold as more research is conducted, and peoplewho are taking it regularly are followed. To date it has not been banned by the USOC, butthat may be only because it is so new on the market.232 Harmful Substances that Affect Performance