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Dietary nutrient adequacy in aeronautical military personnel in Spain: Strengths and weaknesses
The nutritional intake of aeronautical military personnel is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and preventing health complications. This study investigates the dietary habits of a specific group of male personnel in Spain, assessing their nutritional status through comprehensive food intake evaluations.
A sample of 390 male aeronautical military personnel was analyzed at the Centro de Instrucción de Medicina Aeroespacial in Madrid. Researchers quantified energy and nutrient consumption by conducting three non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls, utilizing the DIAL® software.
The findings indicated a median energy intake of 2134 kcal/day, with notable differences across various professional roles; for instance, parachutists recorded the highest intake at 2347 kcal/day. Participants received 18.2% of their total energy from protein and 37.6% from carbohydrates, the latter falling short of recommended standards, as 83.8% of those studied failed to meet the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines. A concerning trend was the high prevalence of added sugars, accounting for 10% of total energy intake. Furthermore, fat consumption averaged 38.3% of total energy, with saturated fats at 11.7%, both exceeding dietary recommendations.
Micronutrient intake was critically insufficient, with vitamin D deficiencies present in 98% of participants, followed by notable shortcomings in folate (56.4%), vitamin C (40.2%), calcium (50.3%), iodine (76.6%), and zinc (59%). Additionally, participants consumed an average of 352 mg/day of cholesterol while fiber intake was alarmingly low at just 18.5 g/day.
In summary, this evaluation underscores significant dietary imbalances among Spanish aeronautical military personnel, characterized by elevated levels of protein, fat, cholesterol, and added sugars, coupled with low carbohydrate intake and critical micronutrient deficiencies. The results advocate for the development of specific nutritional interventions, consistent dietary monitoring, and the establishment of tailored guidelines to promote better health and enhance operational performance in this specialized demographic. [NPID: Military, dietary insufficiency, micronutrient deficiency, performance]
Year: 2026
