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Supplementary Energy Increases Bone Formation during Arduous Military Training
Thomas J O'Leary1, Neil P Walsh2, Anna Casey1
1Army Health and Performance Research, Army Headquarters, Andover, UNITED KINGDOM.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|July 24, 2020
Summary
Supplementary energy intake during military training increased bone formation markers, suggesting a role in osteoblastic activity. Further research is needed to understand its impact on skeletal adaptation and stress fracture risk.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Bone Metabolism
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Arduous military training can lead to energy deficits, potentially impacting bone health.
- Understanding the effects of energy availability on bone turnover is crucial for soldier well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of supplementary energy on bone formation and resorption markers during intense military training.
- To explore the relationship between energy balance and skeletal adaptation in soldiers.
Main Methods:
- Thirty male soldiers participated in an 8-week military course.
- Participants were divided into a control group (habitual diet) and a supplemented group (additional 5.1 MJ·d-1).
- Circulating bone markers, reproductive, thyroid, and metabolic status were measured at baseline and weeks 6 and 8.
Main Results:
- Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase increased in the supplemented group and decreased in controls, indicating enhanced bone formation with energy supplementation.
- Procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide increased in both groups, while beta carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen decreased.
- Prolactin increased in the supplemented group, while adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 showed different responses between groups.
Conclusions:
- Energy supplementation during military training appears to support bone formation, likely by preserving metabolic status.
- The findings suggest a role for energy availability in osteoblastic activity, but implications for skeletal adaptation and stress fracture risk require further investigation.
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