Diet and Military (Adult Population)

Zwilling et. al (2020) declares the critical demand for interventions to enhance human physical fitness and cognitive performance to enable Airmen in particular, who operate under extreme physical and cognitive pressure, to remain resilient and perform well during missions. A twelve-week randomised controlled trial was conducted on 148 active-duty Air Force Airmen to compare the efficacy of a multimodal intervention that consisted of high-intensity interval aerobic fitness and strength training coupled with a novel nutritional supplement [containing β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB), lutein, phospholipids, DHA and selected micronutrients including B12 and folic acid] with another program of high-intensity interval aerobic fitness and strength training paired with a standard placebo drink. The study found the exercise program alone improved several physical fitness attributes: strength and endurance (+8.3%); power (+0.85%); mobility and stability (+22%); heart rate (-1.1%); lean muscle mass (+1.4%). Plus, enhancements in cognitive function were observed with regards to processing efficacy (+7.5%), episodic memory (+9.5%), fluid intelligence accuracy (+19.5%) and executive function reaction time (-4.8%).