Dietary intake and blood lipid profile survey of fighter pilots at Tyndall Air Force Base

A 24-hour dietary recall, a food frequency checklist, and a blood lipid profile were collected from 30 USAF fighter pilots. Sample mean intakes of nutrients studied met U.S. military recommended dietary allowances, except for folic acid, which was 78%. Mean percentages of energy derived from carbohydrate, protein and fat were 48.3, 16.1 and 34.2%, respectively. Of the pilot sample, 63% reported they did not eat breakfast daily. Sample mean blood lipid profile values were: total cholesterol = 218 mg/dl, HDL-cholesterol = 45 mg/dl, triglycerides = 109 mg/dl. Based on total cholesterol level, 40% of the pilot sample should have follow-up according to the National Cholesterol Education Program. A significant negative relationship was found between reported exercise frequency and total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio. Some fighter pilots could benefit from counseling with a dietitian regarding dietary intake patterns, decreasing dietary fats, and the advantages of regular exercise.