[Development of food rations for humans in extreme environments]

Adequacy of food rations to the human body demands was assessed in three series of investigations with 73 volunteers. The first series (n = 31) was arranged in various climatic-geographic areas (the Arctic, desert, high altitude, and the moderate climate of Russia). Each test continued for 12 days. Energy value of the food ration made up 3560 kilocalories. The second and third series (n = 12 and n = 30, respectively) were performed in a pressurized module with simulation of some extreme factors of space flight. Energy value of the food ration balanced in the content of staple nutrients varied between 2800 and 3500 kcal. Results of physical-hygienic studies suggest adequacy of the proposed food rations to volunteers' physiological demands for nutrients and energy in various extreme conditions.