Nutritional Intake of Female Soldiers During the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training.

摘要

A study was conducted to determine how well military feeding addresses the nutritional requirements of female soldier's and if changes in the military menu over the past five years have lead to an improved nutrient intake pattern. The nutritional intake of 49 U.S. Army women was assessed for seven consecutive days during the 8-week BCT. The percentage of energy from fat in the menu was reduced from 38% to 33%, while the percentage of energy from carbohydrate was increased from 50% to 56%. Dietary cholesterol and sodium were less in 1993 than in 1988 (cholesterol: 928 mg versus 1299 mg; sodium: 1640 mg/l000 kcal versus 1731 mg/l000 kcal). Nutritional intakes showed a reduction in the percentage of energy from fat from 34% in 1988 to 32% in 1993. Dietary cholesterol intake, however, increased by 12%, in spite of its reduction in the menu. The difference was accounted for by the higher consumption of visible eggs in 1993. Sodium intake decreased from 1792 mg/1000 kcal in 1988 to 1541 mg/1000 kcal in 1993, mainly through a decrease in table salt usage. Mean intakes of < 100% MRDA were noted for vitamin B6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc in 1993. It was concluded that the improvements in the nutritional intake were most likely due to menu modification, not to the individual choices. Nutritional intake, Female soldiers, Military Recommended Dietary Allowances (MRDA), Nutrition knowledge.