An Assessment of the Nutritional Intake and Energy Expenditure of Unacclimatized U.S. Army Soldiers Living and Working at High Altitude
Abstract
During a recent deployment to Bolivia (3500-4050 m elevation), 35 male soldiers (control) ate the field rations (B/MRE/B). Another 32 male soldiers (supplemented) and 13 female soldiers ate the field rations plus a high CHO (125 g) food supplement. Daily urine samples were obtained. Body weight, food/fluid intake, and food acceptability were recorded for 15 d. A sub-sample of 30 soldiers provided 24-hour urine sample for the first and last two days of the study. Energy expenditure was measured on a sub-sample (n=12) using doubly labelled water. Caloric intake decreased for the first three days at altitude, picked-up on day four and leveled out thereafter. Mean daily energy intakes were 2140 kcal for the control, 2265 kcal for the supplemented, and 1668 kcal for the female group. Caloric intakes for the male groups were not significantly different. Mean daily energy expenditure was 3549 kcal. Consequently, all groups lost body weight, 3.71 lbs, 3.78 lbs, and 1.16 lbs, respectively. Mean CHO intake was 46, 48, and 52% of the energy intake, respectively. Ration acceptability was good and did not decline over time. These results show that B Rations and the MRE are equally suited for use at altitude as sea level but also demonstrate that soldiers given an ad libitum dietary regimen and a food packet CHO supplement, did not automatically increase their CHO intake. It was concluded, therefore, that if an increase in CHO intake at altitude is desirable then supplementation via a beverage component may be more effective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA237450
Entities
People
- Charles S. Fulco
- E. W. Askew
- James P. Delany
- John S. Edwards
- Nancy King
- Reed W. Hoyt
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine