Higher Fat Ration Formulations Minimize Energy Deficit During a Short Field Training Exercise.

Area of Science:

• Military Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• Military personnel often face energy deficits during short-duration operations due to high energy expenditure and limited food availability.
• Higher-fat rations may increase energy intake while reducing ration weight and volume.
• The Close Combat Assault Ration (CCAR) was developed as a higher-fat alternative to the First Strike Ration (FSR).

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of consuming the CCAR versus the FSR on energy intake, energy balance, and physical performance during a 5-day military field training exercise (FTX).

Main Methods:

• A parallel, single-blinded trial randomized active duty service members to consume either one CCAR or one FSR daily during a 5-day FTX.
• Energy expenditure was measured using doubly-labeled water, and energy intake was determined by ration consumption.
• Physical performance was assessed via maximum vertical jump, 300-yard shuttle sprint, and lower-body strength pull before and after the FTX.

Main Results:

• Energy expenditure was similar between the CCAR and FSR groups.
• Energy intake was significantly higher in the CCAR group compared to the FSR group.
• Participants consuming CCAR experienced a lower overall energy deficit (32%) compared to FSR (42%), with no significant differences in physical performance metrics between groups.

Conclusions:

• Higher-fat rations like the CCAR can effectively reduce energy deficits during short-term military training without compromising physical performance.
• Factors such as ration acceptability and time constraints influence energy deficits, indicating a need for improved ration design and feeding strategies.
• The CCAR shows promise as a nutritional strategy for military operations requiring reduced ration weight and volume.