Vascular Function and Oxidative Stress in Emergency Medical Responders
University of Delaware
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to characterize blood vessel function and oxidative stress (a harmful condition that damages cells and tissues) in emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does an overnight shift work in emergency medical technicians reduce blood vessel function and increase oxidative stress? 2. Can supplementing with antioxidants help reduce the negative effects of night shift work in emergency medical technicians? Researchers will compare antioxidants to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if antioxidants work in reducing the negative effects of night shift work in emergency medical technicians. Participants will: 1\. Report to the lab two separate times following an overnight shift to assess blood vessel functioning and oxidative stress 3. Take an antioxidant supplement or placebo during each night of shift work.
Description
Heart disease, also referred to as cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for about 30% of all deaths. While eating right, staying active, and avoiding cigarettes are key to preventing heart problems, the type of work a person does matters too. Some jobs can negatively affect heart health, especially those with night or irregular shifts. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), the first responders who help keep our communities safe, often work these challenging schedules. Shift work means working outside normal business hours-like evenings, nights, and week…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 20–40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Body mass index between 18.5 and \<35 kg/m² * Seated resting systolic blood pressure \< 140 mmHg, and seated resting diastolic blood pressure \< 90 mmHg * Participant must be an active first responder that works shift work schedules. e.g., emergency medical responders, basic life support emergency medical technicians (i.e., BLS EMT), advanced life support emergency medical technicians (A-EMT), and paramedics * Participant must have been working shift work for at least 1 year * Participant must work at least 4 night shifts per month Exclusion Criteria: * Participant is…
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementAntioxidant cocktail
Participants will take two doses of antioxidant supplements in capsule form during their overnight shift: the first dose at 7:00 PM, and the second dose 1.5 hour before their morning vascular function visit (post-shift). Each dose will consist of the following concentrations of antioxidants: 600 mg of α-lipoic acid, 1,000 mg of vitamin C, and 600 IU of vitamin E.
- Dietary SupplementPlacebo
Participants will take two doses of antioxidant supplements in capsule form during their overnight shift: the first dose at 7:00 PM, and the second dose 1.5 hour before their morning vascular function visit (post-shift). Each dose will consist of placebo pills made from microcrystalline cellulose, designed to match the antioxidants in taste, color, and appearance.
Location
- University of DelawareNewark, Delaware