Navigation
Dietary assessment methods in military and veteran populations: A scoping review
Understanding dietary intake is crucial for maintaining the health and performance of military personnel. The transition from military to civilian life often complicates nutritional needs, leading to increased health issues among veterans. To address this, a scoping review was conducted to explore available research regarding dietary intake assessments within military and veteran groups, as well as the extent to which these studies align with established dietary guidelines.
The review analyzed data from six databases, focusing on studies published until April 2019. A total of 89 studies qualified for inclusion, with an emphasis on both observational and intervention research concerning the dietary habits of healthy military personnel and veterans. Most studies, accounting for 85% (n = 76), employed a single dietary assessment method, while only 15% (n = 13) utilized multiple methodologies.
Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) emerged as the predominant assessment tool, utilized in 45% of studies (n = 40). Other methods like 24-hour recalls and food records were each used in 9% (n = 8) of studies. The primary outcomes of these assessments focused on macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and alcohol, reported in 74% of studies (n = 66). Total energy intake was documented in 66% of studies (n = 59). Moreover, 61% of the studies (n = 54) made comparisons with country-specific dietary guidelines, while only 16% (n = 14) examined adherence to military-specific guidelines. This highlights a significant gap in the research, suggesting that while dietary intake is frequently assessed in terms of energy and macronutrients, fewer studies address military dietary standards.
In summary, the review reveals that dietary assessments in military contexts predominantly rely on FFQs and 24-hour recalls, focusing on macronutrient and energy intake. Nevertheless, the limited comparison with specific military dietary guidelines indicates an area for future research. [NPID: Military, dietary assessment, dietary guidelines, dietary standards]
Year: 2026
