Energy Expenditure Exceeds Nutritional Intake of ROTC Members During a Field Training Exercise

<b>Background:</b> Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets undergo biannual Field Training Exercises (FTX) that impose substantial physiological demands, necessitating adequate nutritional intake to support performance and recovery. <b>Methods:</b> Energy Expenditure (EE) measured by actigraphy and self-reported nutritional intake (NI) of ROTC Cadets during a Fall FTX were obtained and compared to Military Dietary Reference Intake (MDRI) guidelines. Energy balance and nutrient adequacy were assessed using paired sample <i>t</i>-tests. <b>Results:</b> Cadets demonstrated significant caloric deficits, consuming fewer kilocalories than both their active metabolic rate (t = -12.07, df = 42, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and Low Energy Availability thresholds (t = 6.47, df = 57.54, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Macronutrient analysis revealed widespread deficiencies. Neither male nor female cadets met minimum carbohydrate gram recommendations. Protein intake in grams was significantly below MDRI guidelines for 94% of males (t = -10.03, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and 90% of females (t = -4.62, <i>p</i> = 0.001). Fat intake was generally adequate for all cadets, with 94% of males (t = 6.50, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and 90% of females (t = 4.19, <i>p</i> = 0.002) meeting or exceeding recommended fat intake. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings underscore the prevalence of under-fueling during FTX and highlight the need for improved nutritional strategies to mitigate energy deficits and support cadet performance and health.