For a long time in the Soviet Union, the military remained one of the most privileged strata of society. Nevertheless, in spite of strict discipline, all sorts of legends, tales and speculation still appeared in the troops, which were passed on the principle of word of mouth from the "old men" to the "rookies". One of these legends was the stories that bromine was added to jelly for military personnel in order to moderate the ardor of young people towards the opposite sex.
Chemical hazard
It is worth knowing that bromine is a chemically active non-metal from the halogen group. In Soviet times (and after), there were rumors that the army added it to soldiers in food to reduce the level of libido (sexual desire in men). All this was done, ostensibly so that the fighter would concentrate exclusively on love for the Motherland, and not think about "adventures" outside the military unit. These speculations were supported by the fact that many young men really noticed a reduction in this very attraction.
The problem with this whole fiction is that bromine is an extremely toxic chemical in its purest form. Add bromine to a man's food, then problems with potency are the last thing that would worry him in the near future. Bromine causes digestive upset, dizziness, bleeding from the mouth and nose, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, impairs memory and reaction.
With such symptoms, a man would forget not only about women. Suffice it to say that during the First World War, bromine was used as a toxic agent at the front. Experts do not recommend what to use bromine, they prohibit even smelling it and touching it.
Potency problems
A decrease in libido among soldiers in the army really does occur, but this is a "feature" not only of the Soviet army and it is not at all about any additives. The army is physical activity and additional stress. The body is in constant physical and psychological mobilization. A lot of time will pass before a person goes through a period of adaptation to new harsh conditions. Moreover, throughout this entire period, the body will spend a lot of resources. From here follows constant fatigue and a decrease in sexual desire. This is facilitated primarily by a strict and clear daily routine and intense stress on the body.
And still
In medicine, bromine is actually used, but not in its pure form. With its help, nervous disorders are treated. That is why preparations containing bromine are contraindicated for people who require increased attention. This is exactly what the military is.
Most likely, this myth was invented by army doctors and commanders in order to scare especially "energetic" soldiers, for example, "grandfathers", who did not know where to put their energy. However, some powder was added to the jelly to the Soviet soldiers. It was vitamin C, useful for a young male body.
Do you want even more interesting facts? Read about these concepts originally from the USSR, which have not been heard abroad even in our time.