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Evaluation of the efficacy of a light ration adapted to cold weather during a 20-day expedition in Greenland.
- Source :
-
Physiology & behavior [Physiol Behav] 2024 Apr 01; Vol. 277, pp. 114497. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Feb 15. - Publication Year :
- 2024
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Abstract
- Introduction: Limiting body mass loss during military expeditions/training in the cold by providing rations containing easy-to-use, highly palatable, and familiar foods is feasible, but the bulk/weight is too high to be realistically used in a military context. We carried out an analysis of lighter rations adapted to cold weather (1,011 g, 15.7 MJ/3750 kcal) during a 20-day expedition in Greenland.<br />Methods: Ten French soldiers daily reported all foods and beverages consumed, the reasons they did not consume certain foods, the palatability of each consumed food, the timing of intake, and the sensation of hunger using a diary.<br />Results: Although energy intake increased in the 3rd week (vs 1st week; p = 0.015), it was insufficient to prevent the loss of body mass (-4.2 ± 1.9 kg, p = 0.002). More extensive analyses showed that 1) energy intake increased only during dinner (p = 0.024) and that hunger levels continued to increase before dinner (p = 0.029), 2) palatability increased during the 3rd week (vs 1st week) especially for savory day foods (p< 0.001), and 3) lack of hunger and lack of appeal (33 % each) were the main reasons for not consuming certain items.<br />Conclusion: Soldiers placed in total autonomy during a 20-day expedition in the cold and provided rations that were slightly undersized but adapted for cold conditions, surprisingly, remained picky, leading to large losses of body mass. Our results suggest a margin for improvement to stimulate spontaneous food intake. For example, more energy-dense and savory foods during the day and the replacement of certain disliked items.<br /> (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Greenland
Energy Intake
Meals
Cold Temperature
Expeditions
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1873-507X
- Volume :
- 277
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Physiology & behavior
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38364985
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114497