Energy Dense Fueling for Cold Exposure
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
High daily energy expenditures without compensatory increases in energy intakes results in severe energy deficits during cold-weather military operations. Observational and experimental data from our laboratory suggests that consuming higher-fat, energy dense products can increase energy intake and attenuate energy deficits, however, laboratory analysis is needed to understand the impact of macronutrient manipulation on substrate oxidation and aerobic performance. This proof of concept, randomized crossover study will examine the effects of consuming an isocaloric bar (approximately 350 kcal) that is higher in carbohydrate (CHO: 50% carbohydrate, 30% fat, 20% protein) or higher in fat (FAT: 30% carbohydrate, 50% fat, 20% protein) on substrate oxidation and aerobic performance (time trial) during acute cold (5°C) exposure. Volunteers will wear shorts and a t-shirt during cold exposure, with continuous monitoring of core and skin temperatures. Baseline data will be collected on volunteer height, weight, body composition, and V̇O2peak. To ensure volunteers are familiar with exercise protocols, they will complete practice sessions of all exercise before the start of data collection. Exercise and diet will be controlled throughout data collection. 24 hours prior to data collection, volunteers will consume a lead-in study diet and will abstain from exercise. After 24 hours, volunteers will return to the laboratory for assessment of substrate oxidation and aerobic performance. Volunteers will consume the CHO or FAT treatment bars under cold conditions, followed by 60 minutes of rest prior to the start of exercise. Volunteers will then complete 90 minutes of load carriage steady-state (55 ± 5% VO2peak) treadmill exercise, wearing a ruck with weighing 30% of their total body mass. After steady-state exercise, aerobic performance will be assessed by having volunteers complete a 2-mile time trial. Indirect calorimetry will be used to determine substrate oxidation during steady-state exercise. Serial blood draws will be collected during each trial to assess circulating substrate/hormone responses. Protocol days will be separated by a minimum washout period of 6 days.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Baseline data collection on volunteer height, weight, body composition, and V̇O2peak. Practice sessions of all exercise protocols.
Treatment
Participants consume either a higher carbohydrate or higher fat isocaloric bar under cold conditions, followed by exercise protocols including steady-state treadmill exercise and a 2-mile time trial.
Washout Period
Minimum washout period between protocol days to prevent carryover effects.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Energy Dense Fueling
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Higher Fat, then High Carbohydrate
High Carbohydrate, then High Fat
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
Lead Sponsor
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