Nutritional and Hedonic Consequences of Consuming the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) VIII or the Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) MRE
Abstract
A seven-day field test was conducted to evaluate the relative acceptability and consumption of the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) VIII and an MRE including 29 new items developed under the Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP MRE) . The test was conducted with two companies (n=167 total) of soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division (Light) during June-July'91 training exercises at the Pohakuloa Training Area, HI. Each company consumed one of the two rations exclusively. The SEP MRE was found to be superior to the MRE VIII in terms of acceptability of the entrees, starches, spreads, desserts, and candies. New SEP milk shakes and snacks were also well received. Greater satisfaction with the SEP MRE was also apparent in terms of higher average daily intake for that group (2670 kcals) relative to intake for the MRE VIII group (1956 kcals). Energy intake for the SEP MRE group was not significantly lower than the MRDA (2800 kcals) whereas intake for the MRE VIII group did not meet this criterion. Neither group met the MRDAs for consumption of protein and carbohydrate and the SEP MRE group was somewhat high in terms of the percentage of calories consumed in the form of fat (40.1%). The addition of fortified items such as MRE hot cocoa is needed in the SEP MRE. Weight loss and dehydration were not problematic for either group under the conditions of the present test. However, to reduce the risk of these problems under more demanding conditions, additional steps are needed to promote more complete usage of the foods and beverages provided in rations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA261067
Entities
People
- Cecilia Thomas
- Dianne B. Engell
- Larry L. Lesher
- Laurie S. Lester
- Melinda Salomon
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center