Dietary survey and evaluation of military aircrews stationed on a plateau

ZHANG Xuwei; FANG Mengsu; LIN Wanxia; AN Yanjun; BAO Junxiang; LI Ao; PENG Yao; ZHENG Ting; WANG Xiaofei; PENG Wenhua; ZHANG Conghui; LIU Di; PANG Songyun

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2097-1753.2024.05.013

Abstract：Objective To investigate the dietary and nutritional status of military aircrews stationed on a plateau and provide a reference basis for the dietary and nutritional support of aviation units training at a high altitude.Method From April to May 2023,190 military aircrews were selected from three aviation units(unit A,unit B and unit C)stationed at an altitude of over 3 000 m.A dietary survey was conducted using the weighing method for three consecutive days(at least one flight day was included),and the daily energy and various nutrient intake per person were calculated according to"China Food Composition Table(Sixth Edition)".The physical activity level of the 17 military aircrews was recorded for 24 hours using an ActiGraph,and the total daily energy consumption was calculated.Dietary nutrition valuation was conducted according to"Dietary Allowances for Military Personnel"(GJB 823B-2016)and"Dietary Ration for Military Personnel"(GJB 826C-2022),as well as the actual energy consumption of military aircrews during their high-altitude training and daily life.Results The per capita daily energy intake of military aircrews in the three aviation units was 3 346 kcal,3 379 kcal,and 2 679 kcal,respectively.The total energy intake of military aircrews in units A and B reached the recommended military standard amount,while in unit C,it only accounted for 79.0％of the lower value of the recommended amount.The per capita daily energy consumption was 2 422 kcal,2 458 kcal,and 2 230 kcal,respectively.Though the total energy intake of military aircrews in unit C didn't reach the recommended military standard amount,the daily energy consumption of military aircrews in all three units can meet the need of their daily work and life.Among the three major nutrient energy supply ratios for unit A,the energy supply ratios of protein,fat,and carbohydrate are 17.0％,49.0％,and 34.0％,respectively.For unit B,they are 15.0％,54.0％,and 31.0％,and for unit C,they are 14.0％,46.0％,and 40.0％.Except for the high energy supply from protein in group A,the energy supplies from protein in groups B and C are normal.All three units exhibit a dietary structure of high fat and low carbohydrate intake.Conclusion The current dietary structure of military aircrews at a plateau is unreasonable,and their food intake is uneven.Some nutrients have not yet reached the recommended military standards.Therefore,it is necessary to strengthen nutritional education for high-altitude flight personnel,improve dietary guidance for food service providers,and further study nutritional strategies and dietary recommendations for high-altitude military aircrews.