Evaluation of Low Energy Pack Ration by Short Term Feeding to Soldiers

Abstract

Fifteen soldiers were fed, during intensive training including a patrol operation, on low energy pack(LEP) ration for eight days for evaluating the suitability of the LEP ration providing 2100 kcal. Measurements were taken for body weight, skinfold thickness, blood cholesterol and phospholipids, glucose tolerance, and a battery of physical performance tests. Data were compared with another two identical groups of soldiers fed either a normal energy fresh(NEF) ration(3631 kcal). The group on LEP ration lost 1.2 kg in body weight while the other two groups maintained their body weight with marginal fluctuations. Besides the slight loss of weight and a transient impairment of glucose tolerance, the subjects on LEP ration showed no other abnormality in any of the parameters studied. The study revealed that the LEP ration was suitable for feeding soldiers for short durations.