Canadian Recruits’ Energy Intake During Basic Military Training Did Not Meet Their Energy Requirements

Purpose: Basic Military Training (BMT) consists of physically demanding training with limited opportunities to eat such that recruits’ energy intakes (EI) might not be sufficient to compensate for their high energy requirements (ER). Inadequate EI may significantly impact recruits’ health, physical, and cognitive performance and increase injury risks. This study aimed to compare the average EI to the ER of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) recruits during BMT. Methods: Average daily EI was assessed 4 days using food photography, a snack questionnaire, and food analysis software. ER was calculated using a prediction equation developed for military personnel using measured fat-free mass and estimated physical activity level based on BMT daily activity schedule. Recruits’ EI and ER are presented as means ± standard deviations. Paired t-tests were used to compare recruits’ EI to ER. Results: Thirty-three CAF recruits participated from September to November 2021. Recruits’ average EI over the 4-day period was 3160 ± 681 kcal/day, with mean ER of 4839 ± 735 kcal/day (p < 0.001). Therefore, recruits met about 65% of their ER. Conclusion: CAF recruits’ average EI was significantly lower than their ER over 4 days of BMT. Results can be used to inform evidence-based interventions to reduce energy deficit during BMT to optimize recruits’ health and performance.