Chapter 7 - A ration is not food until it is eaten: nutrition lessons learned from feeding soldiers

Abstract

Nutrition science in the United States has been shaped by national security needs, specifically the need to feed armies to sustain their performance in the face of adversity. In the 20th century, Army nutrition research provided foundational data on metabolic requirements of healthy men and women, developed important methodologies for laboratory and field nutrition surveys, and led national efforts on performance in extreme environments. The study of human metabolism in challenging environments has proven to be an enduring need for the Army, and this requires unique capabilities with embedded soldier-scientists conducting credible studies in relevant field environments. Support for military nutrition research periodically surged during the 20th century, including reincarnations in the 1940 and 1980s when nutritional physiologists were colocated with food developers. Major findings repeatedly centered on the challenges of inadequate energy intakes in all extreme environments rather than identifying any unique needs for specific ration components.