NCJ Number
84058
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1982) Pages: 235-243
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study shows that rookie police officers under various stressful situations become significantly depleted in vitamins C and B6 as well as zinc, making them vulnerable to illness and poor performance.
Abstract
Studies have shown that under stress the body uses stored vitamin C and dispenses higher amounts of pyrrole in the urine. Pyrrole is a five-sided ring-shaped amine compound which binds vitamin B6, which in turn binds zinc. A deficiency in vitamin C has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease, and deficiencies in zinc increase tiredness and mental confusion. This study involved testing eight rookies nearing graduation and six rookies just beginning training. The research involved the measurement of vitamin C in the blood plasma and the urine, as well as the amount of urinary pyrrole, in each subject both before and after 4 days devoted to lecture, vigorous physical training, important mental examinations, and supervision on the street. Findings confirmed the drop in vitamin C and the rise in urinary pyrrole levels after stressful experiences. All of the activities involved a measure of stress. The research suggests that additional medical tests should be used in the selection process and throughout employment, so as to advise persons low in vitamin C and zinc to include foods bearing these items in their diet or take supplements. This should help reduce the physical and mental effects of stress. Graphic data and 30 references are provided.