Nutritional Implications of High-Tech Foods, Should Combat Rations be High Fat or Low Fat

摘要

During field exercises, energy expenditure frequently exceeds dietary energy intake resulting in a loss of body mass. This is not an entirely unexpected situation in light of the many constraints on nutrient intake. The amount and palatability of the rations, as well as the time available to the soldier to prepare and eat them, are often limited. However, when highly palatable rations are provided and soldiers are provided adequate time to eat energy, energy intakes will match expenditure and body weight will be maintained even during a 8-day sustained artillery operation. If operational rations are to be consumed for prolonged periods of time, additional dietary fat is one way to try and achieve caloric homeostasis and minimize the drain on body fat stores. From a physiological perspective, one of the most important and widespread uses of energy-dense lipids is for endogenous fuel storage. It is self-evident that an individual that has energy stored for later use when energy intake does not meet energy expenditure will have a competitive advantage. Keywords: Symposia; Nutrition; Military rations. (kt)