A Snack-based Ration Containing Caffeine Increases Caloric Intake and Improves Cognitive Performance

Warfighter cognitive performance degrades during sustained operations in part due to difficulty consuming adequate calories and limited access to stimulants such as caffeine. This investigation tested the effectiveness of a snack-based ration, containing caffeinated components, to increase energy and preserve cognitive performance during sustained operations. Eighty-nine Marines consumed either an entree-based (MRE) or a snack-based (FSR) ration during a four-day field exercise with limited sleep. Outcome measures included visual reaction time, logical reasoning, mood state (POMS), and energy intake. Total calories, CHO and caffeine intake was greater (P