[Human nutrition in prolonged autonomous crossings over drifting ice]

The authors describe the experience gained with nutrition for participants of ski transitions over drifting ice of the Arctic, organized by the newspaper "Komsomolskaya Pravda" in 1972, 1976 and 1979, including a 76-day transition towards the North Pole. Use was made of dehydrated products with a daily diet mass of 800-3300 g per man, in which fat content was 40-45% of total caloricity, and that of proteins 12-18%. Hot food was taken not less than 2 times a day (breakfast and supper). If the number of transitions exceeds 8-9 a day, it is necessary to have daytime rest and to take hot food. Additional intake of vitamins, particularly of vitamin C, is required, especially during transitions lasting over 20-25 days. If the transitions last over 35-40 days, it is required that additional food and fuel should be supplied. Optimal duration of the intervals between additional food supplies constitutes 12-15 days, the maximal permissible one 25-30 days. It is advisable to have rest days and high-caloric diet every other 15-20 days. The daily energy deficiency amounting to 1250-1500 kcal per man enables the trained group to maintain high physical and intellectual working capacity. However, overall energy deficiency should not exceed 30 000-40 000 kcal per man.