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Comparison of Energy and Nutrient Intake vs. Estimated Needs in Warfighters: an Update

  • Sports Nutrition (L Cialdella Kam, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Active members of the military must perform optimally under conditions of thermal stress and/or energy deficiency. Military dietary reference intakes (MDRIs) provide guidelines for energy and nutrient intakes but is based studies largely conducted in Army. Needs may vary by service branch and/or position. New protein recommendations have emerged, which are not reflected in MDRIs.

Purpose of Review

Compare reported dietary intake in active duty members to MDRIs and 2016 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) sports nutrition guidelines.

Recent Findings

Active duty members are not meeting their energy and carbohydrate needs with low-to-adequate protein intake and adequate-to-high fat intake. Other nutrients of concern are vitamin D, calcium, iron, B-vitamins, and fiber. Thermal stress increases energy needs and suppresses appetite and thus increase risk for energy and nutrition deficiencies.

Summary

Energy and nutrients needs can vary by branch of armed service, job responsibility, and external stressors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA

    Neil Vyas & Lynn Cialdella-Kam

  2. Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA

    Lynn Cialdella-Kam

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  1. Neil Vyas
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Correspondence to Lynn Cialdella-Kam.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, nor the US Government.

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Neil Vyas and Lynn Cialdella-Kam declare they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Dr. Lynn Cialdella-Kam is an employee of the US Government. This work was prepared as part of her official duties. Title 17, U.S.C. §105 provides that copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the US Government. Title 17, U.S.C. §101 defines a US Government work as work prepared by a military service member or employee of the US Government as part of that person’s official duties.

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Vyas, N., Cialdella-Kam, L. Comparison of Energy and Nutrient Intake vs. Estimated Needs in Warfighters: an Update. Curr Nutr Rep 9, 405–413 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-020-00336-y

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