Measurement of Energy Expenditure under Field Conditions Using Doubly Labeled Water
Abstract
Energy requirements of soldiers in the field are determined by their energy expenditure. Energy expenditure in the field, however, is very difficult to measure. We have recently developed the doubly labeled water method for measuring energy expenditure and water intake. To validate this new method, we compared it with measured dietary intake and change in body energy stores in 16 special operations soldiers participating in a 25 day field exercise to test a new light weight ration. Energy expenditure from doubly labeled water averaged 3400 + or - 260 kcal/d vs. 3230 + or - 520 kcal/d by intake/balance. The doubly labeled water method was thus valid in the field setting. Furthermore, the doubly labeled water method was 2 times more precise than intake/balance. The better precision means that only one-fourth as many subjects are needed for studies of energy requirements and thus the method is very cost effective. Water intake as measured by doubly labeled water averaged 38% less than self-recorded intake and thus did not validate. Further controlled studies with careful measures of water intake are recommended to develop and validate the measurement of water intake. Keywords: Energy consumption, Ingestion physiology; Requirements, Drinking water, Calorific value, Diets, Physical fitness, Performance human.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA201372
Entities
People
- Carla R. Field
- Dale A. Schoeller
- James Delany
Organizations
- University of Chicago