Suitability of a Freeze Dried Product as a Vehicle for Vitamin Fortification of Military Ration Packs: A Preliminary Study

摘要

The intake of adequate energy and nutrients plays a fundamental role in ensuring that Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are operationally ready. Combat ration packs (CRP) may be provided to soldiers when it is not practical to feed them with fresh food. CRP may be fortified with vitamins to offset losses during storage and to minimise the impact of other factors that could otherwise lead to inadequate vitamin intakes by consumers. This study investigates the suitability of a freeze dried meal as a carrier for vitamins C, A and E. A fortified freeze dried meal was prepared and was subjected to a storage trial. Vitamin losses during fortification and storage were determined. Losses during storage were low for all vitamins, although losses during fortification were high for vitamin E. There was evidence of protective effects when vitamins were added in combination.