Environment and Food Intake in Man

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Abstract
Data on the nutrient intake of healthy, physically fit, young North American soldiers who lived and fought in different environments are presented. There, was a striking correlation between the avg. voluntary daily caloric intake and the mean environmental temp. The range was from 3,100 calories in the desert (92[degree]F) to 4,900 calories a day in the Arctic ([long dash]30[degree]F). The difference could not be explained in terms of changing basal metabolic rates, difference of body size, or in terms of different activities. Regardless of environment, the percentage of proteins voluntarily chosen from the rations was practically constant in all environments. The data indicate that the same general types of rations can be provided regardless of environment, and that greater amts. of food are needed in cold weather than in hot.

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