Nutrient Intakes and Work Performance of Soldiers during Seven Days of Exercise at 7,200 Feet Ready-to-Eat Ration
Abstract
The Meal, Ready-To-Eat (MRE) ration was fed ad libitum to a group of 15 soldiers for a period of 12 days. Ten of the 12 days were spent under field conditions at moderate (7,200 feet) altitude. Seven of the 10 days at altitude were exercise days wherein the soldiers ran a strenuous cross-country course (9-11 miles) for 2 hr/day. Caloric intakes were less than adequate for energy balance under these conditions. During the 10-day exercise period, soldiers consumed less than 67% of the calories recommended for energy balance. The soldiers lost 3% of their body weight, 10% of their body fat, and experienced a decline of 5% in their maximal aerobic capacity. Although calcium, iron, and riboflavin intakes were suboptimal, the most potentially serious deficiency noted was the low (260 g/day) intake of carbohydrate. No remarkable changes in blood chemistries other than an increased level of ketone bodies were noted. Although the MRE ration supported a reasonable level of performance under these conditions, it is recommended that the ration be supplemented by a carbohydrate source during periods of exertion at altitude. Keywords: Work performance, Ready-to-eat nutrient intake, Field study, and Body weight loss.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 19, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA176273
Entities
People
- Andrew J Young
- Eileen G. Szeto
- Eldon W. Askew
- John R. Claybaugh
- Samuel A. Cucinell
Organizations
- Tripler Army Medical Center