Nutritional Evaluation of a Precooked Dehydrated and Bite-Sized Compressed Food Diet as Sole Source of Nutriment for Six Weeks

摘要

A series of experiments has been designed to determine the water, energy, and protein requirements of man under various simulated aerospace conditions. The 42-day experiment reported herein was designed to evaluate nutritionally an experimental diet composed of precooked dehydrated and bite-sized compressed foods. Organoleptically, the experimental diet was highly acceptable. The food items did not become less acceptable after having been served repeatedly or a long period of time. The nutritional balance data show that the experimental diet was highly utilized and that it efficiently maintained the subjects for the duration of the experiment. The confinement of the subjects for 28 days in the Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories Life Support Systems Evaluator did not affect subject body weight, nutrient balance, digestion, or water balance. No abnormal hematological or physiological measurements were recorded as a result of subsisting on the experimental diet. (Author)