Effects of Supplemental Energy on Protein Balance during 4-d Arctic Military Training

TLDR

Soldiers in military operations often experience negative energy balance that reduces whole‑body protein retention, even when protein intake meets recommended levels. The study aimed to determine whether supplemental nutrition could spare whole‑body protein by reducing negative energy balance during Arctic military training and to evaluate the influence of macronutrient source on protein balance. Researchers measured daily energy expenditure and intake, assessed nitrogen balance and protein turnover at baseline and day 3 using 24‑h urine and labeled glycine, and compared protein and carbohydrate intakes across three diet groups. Results showed no group differences in energy expenditure, energy balance, net protein balance, or nitrogen balance, but higher overall energy intake was positively associated with better net protein balance and nitrogen balance, underscoring the need for adequate energy consumption during high‑expenditure training.

Abstract

Soldiers often experience negative energy balance during military operations that diminish whole-body protein retention, even when dietary protein is consumed within recommended levels (1.5-2.0 g·kg·d).The objective of this study is to determine whether providing supplemental nutrition spares whole-body protein by attenuating the level of negative energy balance induced by military training and to assess whether protein balance is differentially influenced by the macronutrient source.Soldiers participating in 4-d arctic military training (AMT) (51-km ski march) were randomized to receive three combat rations (CON) (n = 18), three combat rations plus four 250-kcal protein-based bars (PRO, 20 g protein) (n = 28), or three combat rations plus four 250-kcal carbohydrate-based bars daily (CHO, 48 g carbohydrate) (n = 27). Energy expenditure (D2O) and energy intake were measured daily. Nitrogen balance (NBAL) and protein turnover were determined at baseline (BL) and day 3 of AMT using 24-h urine and [N]-glycine.Protein and carbohydrate intakes were highest (P < 0.05) for PRO (mean ± SD, 2.0 ± 0.3 g·kg·d) and CHO (5.8 ± 1.3 g·kg·d), but only CHO increased (P < 0.05) energy intake above CON. Energy expenditure (6155 ± 515 kcal·d), energy balance (-3313 ± 776 kcal·d), net protein balance (NET) (-0.24 ± 0.60 g·d), and NBAL (-68.5 ± 94.6 mg·kg·d) during AMT were similar between groups. In the combined cohort, energy intake was associated (P < 0.05) with NET (r = 0.56) and NBAL (r = 0.69), and soldiers with the highest energy intake (3723 ± 359 kcal·d, 2.11 ± 0.45 g protein·kg·d, 6.654 ± 1.16 g carbohydrate·kg·d) achieved net protein balance and NBAL during AMT.These data reinforce the importance of consuming sufficient energy during periods of high energy expenditure to mitigate the consequences of negative energy balance and attenuate whole-body protein loss.