Dietary Intakes of Canadian Armed Forces Field Rations Compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes
Authors: Ahmed Mavra , Mandic Iva , Goodman Len , Jacobs Ira , L'Abbe Mary 
Published: November 2023

Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are the national nutrient requirements designed for the healthy Canadian adult population. They are also used to guide the nutrient content of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) field rations. These rations are intended to be nutritionally sufficient for standard military operations. However, there is limited data on the adequacy of ad libitum intakes of nutrients, specifically micronutrients, from field ration consumption. The objective of this study was to compare in a sample of CAF members their ad libitum nutrient intakes from their usual diets at home with their intakes from field rations, and to compare both with DRI recommendations. Dietary intakes of 18 CAF members (mean age 33 y) participating in a concurrent laboratory metabolism and feeding study were assessed using a 3‐day weighed food record: 1) at home consuming usual diets (Home Diet (HD)) and 2) at home consuming field rations (Home Rations (HR)). Participants consumed the HR ad libitum from three daily rations with known macro‐ and micro‐nutrient content provided to them (breakfast, lunch and dinner). The DRI cut‐point method and the probability approach were used to determine nutrient adequacy. Student's t‐test was used to compare differences in micronutrient intakes between HD and HR. Average energy intake with total energy from carbohydrates, fat and protein, respectively, were as follows: 1) HD ‐‐‐ 2657±580 kcal/day, 45% 34%, and 19% and 2) HR ‐‐‐ 2674±788 kcal/day, 60%, 27% and 14%. Participants consumed 80% of the provided rations each day. Depending on the chosen ration menu combinations, participants may or may not meet the DRI recommendations for micronutrients established for individuals. Although intakes of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and potassium were significantly higher in HD in comparison with HR diets (p≤0.05), consumption of both HD and HR resulted in inadequate intakes of vitamin D (HD 4/HR 0.003 μg/d), calcium (HD 862/HR 560 mg/d), magnesium (HR 365/HR 62 mg/d) and potassium (HD 2879/HR 288 mg/d) in comparison to the DRI recommendations. Exclusive consumption of HR diets ad libitum indicated inadequacies in intakes of B‐vitamins (B1, 0.04mg/d, B2, 0.05mg/d, B3, 4.05mg/d, B6, 0.16 mg/d, B12, 0.0002mg/d, folate, 23 μg/d), phosphorus (112 mg/d) and zinc (0.83 mg/d). In contrast, participants had adequate intakes of vitamin C and iron when consuming HD and HR diets. Sodium intake was higher than the DRI upper limit (2300mg/d) from HD (3962mg/d) and HR consumption (4655mg/d). Although participants’ energy consumption from field rations was similar to that consumed from their home diet and were within the average macronutrient distribution recommendation ranges, intakes of B‐vitamins, phosphorus and zinc were lower than DRIs when consuming exclusively HR diets ad libitum. Inadequate intakes in a number of micronutrients were also seen from consumption of HD and HR in comparison to the DRI recommendations. These results may warrant further investigation into optimal ways to ensure adequate micronutrient intakes, particularly when field rations are consumed for extended periods of time.

Support or Funding Information

Research contract awarded to principal investigator I. Jacobs by Defence Research and Development Canada.