Field Evaluation of the B Ration in a Hot Weather Environment
Abstract
The B Ration and the MRE were evaluated for five days during a training exercise at Elgin Air Force Base, Florida, to determine their acceptance and nutritional adequacy in a hot weather environment. The effects of beverage flavor and beverage variety as well as meal scheduling on consumption were also investigated. The B Ration was consumed for breakfast and dinner and the Meal, Ready to Eat was consumed for lunch. The acceptability of each food and beverage item was rated on a 9-point hedonic scale. A detailed final questionnaire was completed by subjects to determine overall opinions of the rations. Consumption of the B Ration was measured by comparing an estimate of each subject's meal before he began eating to an estimate of each subject's plate waste. Consumption of the MRE was estimated by subjects. The results of the field study indicate that Airmen's nutrient and caloric intake of the B ration/MRE did not meet military nutritional standards. The test site allowed access to nonration foods; this probably contributed to reduced intake of the B Ration/MRE. Inadequate energy intake resulted in insufficient consumption of the majority of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals. Of particular concern was the low calcium intake. Flavorants were added to the nonfat reconstituted powered milk to enhance milk consumption; however, there were no differences in consumption of the flavored versus plain milk. There was some evidence that beverage variety enhanced beverage consumption.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA200719
Entities
People
- Dianne Engell
- Joanne Edinberg
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center