special-operations-nutrition-guide

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Beverages containing 5–8% CHO
and some electrolytes are best.
Drinking 1 to 2 cups per 30
minutes is recommended.
Vitamin and Mineral Needs
The requirements for some vitamins and minerals increase when working
in the cold due to increases in energy metabolism (example: thiamin)
or urinary losses (example: magnesium, zinc). The amount by which daily
vitamin and mineral needs may increase above the DRI during cold weather
operations are shown in Table 8. These amounts are based on intake
data from field studies, urinary excretion of nutrients and other measures
of “nutrient status.” In most cases, energy requirements and vitamin and
mineral needs can be met by eating all ration components.
Table 15–8. Vitamins and Mineral Supplements
for Cold Weather and Altitude Operations
Nutrient
Suggested
Amount
% DRI
Vitamin B1, Thiamin 3 mg 200
Vitamin B2, Riboflavin 2 mg 118
Vitamin C 250 mg 417
Vitamin E 400 mg ɑ-TE 1,990
Zinc 15–20 mg 133
Missions at Altitude
Ascent to altitude and flying can cause a variety of disturbances, and
adequate nutrition is crucial for maintaining performance. The major nutritional
concerns at altitude are:
• Weight loss.
• CHO intake.
• Dehydration.
• Oxidative stress.