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Energy expenditure exceeds nutritional intake of ROTC members during a field training exercise
The physiological demands placed on Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets during their biannual Field Training Exercises (FTX) call for sufficient nutritional support to enhance both performance and recovery. A recent study analyzed the energy expenditure (EE) and self-reported nutritional intake (NI) of these cadets during a Fall FTX, comparing their dietary habits with the Military Dietary Reference Intake (MDRI) guidelines.
Using paired sample t-tests, researchers evaluated energy balance and nutrient sufficiency. The results showed that cadets faced significant caloric shortfalls, as their actual caloric consumption was below both their active metabolic rate (t = -12.07, df = 42, p < 0.001) and the thresholds for Low Energy Availability (t = 6.47, df = 57.54, p < 0.001). The macronutrient analysis further revealed widespread inadequacies, particularly in carbohydrate and protein intake.
Notably, neither male nor female cadets achieved the minimum recommended grams of carbohydrate. Furthermore, protein consumption fell short of the MDRI guidelines for an alarming 94% of male cadets (t = -10.03, p < 0.001) and 90% of female cadets (t = -4.62, p = 0.001). In contrast, fat intake was generally deemed adequate, with 94% of males (t = 6.50, p < 0.001) and 90% of females (t = 4.19, p = 0.002) meeting or surpassing the recommended levels. These findings illuminate a critical issue: ROTC cadets’ tendency to under-fuel during FTX. It emphasizes an urgent need for enhanced nutritional interventions to prevent energy deficits and promote optimal performance and health among cadets. [NPID: Military, ROTC, macronutrients, guidelines]
Year: 2026
