Abstract
Optimum nutritional status is important to derive maximum benefits of training the forces and it can affect health status and wellbeing of the servicemen. The present study was conducted to explicate the nutritional composition of different food items in the standard ration as well as device ration of servicemen considering geographical deployment location and physical activity level of servicemen keeping in view food guidelines standards of nutrients. Accordingly, food items of the selected rations were collected from different suppliers and were analyzed using food analysis techniques by AOAC. Results indicated carbohydrates content of 722.11 + 26.4 g (71.37%), fats 164.19 + 14.5 g (16.22%) and proteins 125.36 + 11.2 g (12.39%) as well as total caloric contents of 4867.59+ 205 Kcal/soldier/day. Further, Soldiers deployed at higher altitude i.e., at 15000 feet above sea level supplied with extra rations to cope up extra caloric requirement and replacement of fresh fruits and vegetables. Suggested caloric plan was advised for 4045.85 ± 114 kcals and macronutrients distribution of carbohydrates (68%), fats (17.5%) and proteins (14.5%) were recommended. Conclusively, calorie density of existing ration scale was higher which needs to be rationalization and nutrition awareness programs should be conducted to increase the knowledge of servicemen for better health and nutrition status.
Highlights
The zeal and enthusiasm which a soldier show in performing duties and recovery from ailments/injuries is dependent on health as well as nutritional status of the food servicemen are provided (Horsfall, 2017)
The optimum nutritional status is vital to derive maximum benefits of training and operational tasks for servicemen as this becomes more important in militaries like Pakistan in which soldiers deployed in diverse locations ranging from plain fields operations to higher mountains like Siachen
The present study conducted with support of Armed Forces Institute of Nutrition and Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore Punjab, Pakistan with objective to evaluate nutritional composition of food items included in the standard ration pack provided to servicemen and device ration scale to army personnel considered geographical location, nutritional needs and physical activity level of servicemen
Summary
The zeal and enthusiasm which a soldier show in performing duties and recovery from ailments/injuries is dependent on health as well as nutritional status of the food servicemen are provided (Horsfall, 2017). The military nutritional requirement has to be task oriented to keep them physically fit all times as they experience different environmental conditions and combat situations (Haskell et al, 2007). In many situations, they are forced to be restricted to canned/precooked food as fresh food is difficult to be supplied in these situations, nutritional status of servicemen is compromised (Babusha et al, 2008). The latest thinking in nutritional support is that it’s
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