Nutrition interventions to improve the military nutrition environment positively impact service members

Dietary treatments in the military nutrition environment (MNE) that are intended to improve service members’ (SM) performance and health are methodically examined in this study by Rittenhouse & Khurana (2025). The study analyzed research articles published between 2010 and 2013 that implemented dietary interventions for active-duty SMs on military bases. Six of the 723 reviewed articles satisfied the requirements for this review’s inclusion. The interventions were categorized into color-coded labeling, food selection strategies, and menu adjustments. All studies reported an increase in nutrient intake. Using the Healthy Eating Index, one study revealed an increase in diet quality. Two studies documented positive feedback from participants, and all demonstrated beneficial behavioral changes among SM. All of the studies demonstrated improvements in behavior and results connected to nutrition. However, numerous obstacles within the military nutrition environment must be addressed for significant and lasting improvements. It is challenging to get firm results due to the diversity of research designs and intervention techniques. Findings emphasize the necessity for a broader investigation of the military food environment across different settings. Standardizing nutrition strategies across the military can further improve the health, preparedness, and performance of SMs. [NPID: Military, active duty, nutrition, dietary intervention, nutrition environment]

Year: 2025

Reference: Rittenhouse, M., & Khurana, S. (2025). Nutrition interventions to improve the military nutrition environment positively impact service members. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 57(3), 208–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2024.12.005

Related Studies

The effect of the low glutamate diet on the reduction of psychiatric symptoms in veterans with Gulf War Illness: A pilot randomized-controlled trial

A diet that is deficient in glutamate was observed to enhance micronutrient metabolism and ameliorate dietary excitotoxins, which protect the body from glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Brandley et al. (2022) aimed in their pilot study (double-blind, randomized, placebo-control crossover design) to investigate how a low glutamate diet affects post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression in a […]

What is the dietary intake and nutritional status of defence members: a systematic literature review

A healthy diet and nutrition are essential for military performance, recuperation, and preparedness. While previous research has primarily focused on the nutritional content of field and combat rations and dietary intake during deployments, less attention has been given to the usual dietary intake and nutritional status of military personnel in garrison settings (i.e., military bases). […]