Dietary intake and nutritional status of Australian soldiers

New research from Southern Cross University reveals how the military’s reliance on fatty and packaged foods can lead to lower performance and mental health problems.

Study, published in Nutrition Research Reviewsis the first systematic international literature review to examine the food intake and nutritional status of security forces worldwide.

The results indicated a nutritional quality that needs to be improved. In particular, eating less fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, plant proteins and nuts; while intake of added sugar, trans fat and processed meat was higher.

The analysis also found the intake of many nutrients, especially fiber, essential fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, zinc and iodine.

“Consumption of low-nutrient foods described in this review is about, considering their importance to ensure the readiness of the army, proper performance, recovery after training, physical training and prevention risk,” said lead author Dr. Jessica Bayes, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Southern Cross University National Center for Naturopathic Center.

Consuming this most important food can lead to reduced performance, increased risk of chronic diseases and mental health problems.

“Across all populations, increasing evidence highlights the important role of diet and nutrition for mental health,” said Dr. Bayes.

“Given the unique challenges and stresses that accompany military life and the increased risk of mental health conditions among members of the armed forces, nutrition that supports mental health should be priority.”

Interests of Dr. Bayes in nutritional psychology examines the complex relationship between diet, lifestyle, and mental health among military personnel and veterans.

Previous studies on military food have focused mainly on the nutritional composition of field/combat food and food consumption during deployment. The study examined the diets of those not on the front lines but waiting for active duty.

“Our research shows that more research is needed that examines the long-term effects of poor food quality on security personnel while they are living in freedom or in prison,” said Dr. Bayes.

“These results call for the attention of policymakers to ensure that military education and the general food environment support defense personnel to pursue a healthy diet.”

Dr. Bayes said he expects military personnel around the world to welcome improvements in the variety and quality of food served on bases.

“We know they are interested in taking care of their bodies and minds.

“Previous research has shown that military personnel are already exploring complementary therapies and dietary supplements to treat chronic physical and mental conditions.”

Dr. Bayes is taking this issue further with a new study examining the relationship between diet quality and mental health in Australian ex-servicemen.

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