Western propaganda surrounds the inner workings of the former Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR). While it cannot be said that the Soviet system was utopic, there is clear evidence that many of those living under the Soviet system were happy and better treated than may have been portrayed in Western propaganda. For example, care was taken under the Soviets to provide safe working conditions and adequate nutrition for workers, which contradicts Western media sources. Since the breakdown of the Soviet Union, much information regarding advanced nutritional practices has made its way to Western sources. In this regard, evidence suggests that governmental ministries were keen to utilise advanced nutrition to maintain the health and productivity of its workers. For example, the Soviets had specific nutritional strategies to protect from exposure to toxic chemicals. Such strategies included rations containing specific foods and macronutrient supplements to protect the worker’s health.
For example, in a review article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1, researchers presented information on Soviet prophylactic ration packs issued to workers exposed to particular hazards. Ration pack 1 was designed to protect from radioactive material such as X-rays. Ration pack 2 was designed to protect from fluoride, chromium, nitric and sulfuric acids and cyanide compounds. Ration pack 3 was designed to protect from nitro and amino compounds of benzene, lead, chlorinated hydrocarbons, compounds of arsenic, phosphorus and tellurium. Ration pack 4 was designed to protect from carbon disulfide, organophosphorus pesticides, inorganic compounds of mercury, magnesium and barium. The ration packs were developed by the Nutrition Institute of the USSR Academy of Medicinal Sciences to provide a 6 day menu cycle, with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided at the place of work. The rations contain 53 to 65 grams of protein, 40 to 53 grams of fat and 159 to 183 grams of carbohydrate.
Vitamins and minerals were added to the rations based on the needs and exposure of the workers to toxins. The supplemental vitamins were administered directly to the workers by a medical worker in solutions or were added to the food. This vitamin therapy was based on scientific findings by the Soviets through proper scientific investigation. For exposure to fluoride, chlorine, cyanide and alkali metals the Soviets gave 2 mg of vitamin A and 100 to 150 mg of ascorbic acid as supplements to the basic rations. For arsenic, tellurium, tetraethyl, lead, bromine hydrocarbons, carbon disulfide, thiophos, mercury and magnesium dioxide exposure, 4 mg of supplemental thiamine was administered. Exposure to high temperatures and nicotine dust was treated with 2 mg vitamin A, 3 mg thiamine, 150 mg ascorbic acid and 20 mg nicotinic acid. Noise was treated with ascorbic acid and vibration was treated with ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin and nicotinic acid. Interestingly, only ration pack 1 contained fresh fruit.
The rations were prepared in the place of work and served in dining halls for the workers. Although the rations were different in their food ingredients the macronutrient composition was very similar. The foods content of the rations was designed to give maximum protection from the specific toxicological challenge and to work in conjunction with the additional micronutrients. For example, while ration 1 and 2 contained dairy products, ration 3 was specifically designed to create a negative calcium balance. In this respect, ration 3 was designed to be used for 10 days following lead exposure, after which the individual would switch to ration pack 2 or 4. The efficacy of these rations to protect from specific toxins has not been tested and investigated in Western science, but the fact that the Soviets designate large amount of money and manpower to this endeavour suggests that the ration packs were beneficial and that the research findings positive. Evidence also suggests that the workers believe that the food was protective.
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