Food Intake and Energy Expenditures in Cold Weather Military Training.

摘要

This paper examines the question of energy demands of military activities in a cold environment and the associated food requirements. The metabolic effects of cold on skin temperature are shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis. These effects are negligible for the well-clothed person since the temperature is not lowered. Acclimatization to cold is a complicated phenomenon which has only slight gains in comfort compared to the time required to achieve it. Energy expenditure (activity) is the primary determinant of food requirements. An energy expenditure prediction equation is presented for practical use when the following factors are known: load carried, velocity of movement and the type of terrain. Estimates of energy expenditure for various military activities are presented in order to allow the reader to make rough estimates of energy demands upon troops in varying terrains and using different means of mobility. Using these estimates, a scenario can be created and food requirements can be predicted. (Author)